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Area Library Writes New Chapter On Community Spirit

Falconer Public Library director, Sue Seamans, meets with students from Falconer Central School to discuss the importance of understanding history. This is one of the many programs Seamans, and the Falconer Public Library staff, host at the library.

Editor’s Note: The Chautauqua Region Community Foundation is commemorating its 40th anniversary this year. Throughout the year, the foundation is highlighting 40 stories that are indicative of the impact foundation-funded programs and initiatives have had on the community.

Every gift creates a story. This story was inspired by gifts to the Falconer Public Library Fund.

“Hi Bob.” “Hi Dr. Pat.” “Hello Miss Irene.”

Sitting in the Falconer Public Library with its director, Sue Seamans, there is an ebb and flow of people coming in to return books, visit with friends, and catch up on the day to day of what is happening in the village. Seamans greets every guest by name, offering a brief word of encouragement, suggested book title, or club the individual might be interested in.

At a time where many libraries across the country are struggling to find their place amid changes in programming and material needs, funding shortages, and more, the Falconer Public Library remains a positive force in the Chautauqua region, providing a respite for community members and visitors alike.

“Every library is doing something to reach out to their community,” Seamans said. “A lot of little libraries have these knitting groups, stamping groups, different classes all day long where people can use their space.”

With Seamans’ guidance, the Falconer Public Library offers many resources to community members of all ages and backgrounds.

“We try to offer a preschool story hour once a week, we work with homeschooling parents and their children, some of the special education students from Falconer visit and use our computers,” Seamans explained. “We also work very closely with the residents at (Edgewood Communities). We try to offer programs at all levels.”

Since 1975, Seamans has been the trusted source for library patrons, community members and visitors alike. Growing up in Fredonia, Seamans taught history in the Brocton Central School District for six years before her and her husband moved to the Village of Falconer to be closer to his job as a teacher and coach at Randolph Central School.

“I have had wonderful opportunities to meet people and get to know them and because of that, I feel truly blessed,” she said.

One of those individuals Seamans mentions is former Falconer mayor, Albert Mattison, whom she credits with helping create such a positive relationship between the library and village board.

“Mayor Mattison raised the level of attention that the library was an important piece of this community,” Seamans said.

During his tenure, Mattison launched the summer band concert series, which will enter its 29th year this summer, as well as, supported the expansion of the library to what it looks like today.

In 2004, Seamans was recognized for her efforts and received The New York Times Librarian Award, a program honoring librarians who provide outstanding public service. She was one of 27 librarians across the country selected for this distinction. According to former Falconer Public Library board member, Emily Lodestro, who nominated Seamans for the award, it was a no-brainer.

“This award represents the fact that hard work, cooperation and a spirit of compassion for people can make things happen,” Lodestro said. “Sue works very hard and she’s very dedicated to her patrons. The library wouldn’t be the same without her.”

And neither would the Falconer community.

For over 40 years, Seamans has gone above and beyond her role as library director and truly created a sense of community pride and spirit in making the library a place that people look to in times of need.

Seamans is quick to credit much of that success to her incredibly talented staff and dedicated board, including Betty Palmer, Laurie Becker, Sue Benson, Polly Cimino and Sandy Thies. Following the recent devastating fires along Main Street, it did not take long for the library and municipal building to become a center for dropping off clothing donations, household items and more for those in need.

“The ladies auxiliary, at the fire department, was a huge help with all of this. There was a large table in the Community Building that people were constantly bringing stuff into.” Seamans said.

While libraries have changed immensely over Seamans’ career, she notes libraries are no longer just about providing reading and entertainment materials to its visitors.

“Part of what we are doing at the library is building a rapport with our community and connecting with our residents, whether there is a fire, a disaster or anything, they know we are here for them, we are listening to them.”

For 40 years, the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation has worked together with its inspiring donors, selfless volunteers and grateful community organizations to share their stories for enriching the quality of life for all who live here.

A gift to the Foundation adds another chapter in our community’s unending story.

Learn more at crcfonline.org.

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