History

The Arcade Free Library was the inspiration of the Monday Night Research Club, a member of the Associated Women's Clubs of Western New York, established in 1898. Sixteen ladies from the club placed a collection of their books in Miss Ada Brown's Millinery Store for mutual sharing. The members of the club felt they wanted to share their collection with others so the collection was expanded and moved to the second floor of the Citizen's Bank. This location provided a reading room and materials were circulated to the public in the evenings with the help of volunteers.

These initial efforts were well received but greater public access was envisioned and a library association was created to develop a true library. Through the efforts of many local citizens who donated time, money and books, the Arcade Free Library received provisional incorporation form New York State's Board of Regents on June 28, 1905. An absolute charter was granted by the Regents May 12, 1912.

The current site of the library, a lovely Victorian home was built about 1870. The original owner was William Henry Wilson of East Arcade. Many changes have taken place over the years. It was later purchased by industralist K.R. Wilson (no relation) for his parents. After they died, the family made a memorial contribution that enabled the Arcade Free Library to purchase the building in 1949. A significant addition in 1984 has brought the library to its present size which houses a collection of approximately 26,000 books, magazines, reference materials, books on tape and CD, videos, DVDs and educational CD-Roms.

Back to the Arcade Free Library Home Page