Join us as we commemorate a century of learning, discovery, and community at the heart of Cortland!
For 100 years, the Cortland Free Library has been a cornerstone of our community, a place where minds ignite, imaginations soar, and connections are forged. From the moment our doors first opened, we’ve been dedicated to providing access to knowledge, fostering a love of reading, and empowering individuals of all ages.
Throughout the past century, the Library has evolved alongside our community, adapting to changing times while always remaining true to its mission: to serve as a vital hub for learning, growth, and community engagement. We’ve witnessed countless stories unfold within our walls: children discovering the magic of books, students conducting research, families enjoying shared moments of discovery, and community members finding solace and inspiration.
As we celebrate this momentous milestone, we invite you to join us in commemorating the past, embracing the present, and shaping the future of the Cortland Free Library.
More about our history!
- Cortland Free Library’s roots extend back to 1886 when a South Cortland Farmer, Franklin Hatch, realized his dream of endowing a public library. Hatch’s library, located on Court Street opposite the fire station, served Cortland residents for nearly 40 years.
- During the early 1920s, Hatch Library Board President John Suggett joined citizens to reorganize the Hatch Library as Cortland Free Library. The Library was chartered by New York State Department of Education on July 20, 1925. It sits on the site of the former county jail and courthouse. The library first served the city of Cortland and its charter now includes the towns of Cortlandville and Virgil. In 2008, the Cortland Free Library was listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Read the application submitted to earn our library a spot on the U.S. Registry of Historic Places! It is full of fascinating information! - Check out this nifty document, submitted to the Federal government a few years ago to earn us our place on the National Historic Registry! (FYI, it also contains the answers to the History Hint questions we’ll be posting on our social media in the coming months!)
- And, you can read Director Mageliner’s opening comments about our centennial in our June e-newsletter
How we’re celebrating!
- We’ll start with a July 26 Kickoff Event (11-1) with our tremendous ally and collaborator in reading — the Dolly Parton Imagination Library — in the Cortland County Courthouse Park. (Watch for more details on the event, but it will include a fun Dance Themed Preschool Storytime with Miss Tammy!)
- After that, we will be celebrating with a host of other activities, including (but not limited to!) a CFL Centennial Reading Challenge, wherein participants will be encouraged to:
- Read 100 books in any format – physical, audiobook, or ebook – over the course of the year.
- OR Check out 100 books in any format from the library over the course of the year.
- All books and formats will count — and when the challenge is done, we’ll award special prizes! Stay tuned for details (including how to track your success during the challenge.)
- To help spread the word, and just have fun, we’ll selling “Centennial Merch” at the circulation desk in our main Reading Room — featuring artwork by renowned local artist and CFL friend, Molly Reagan. Stop by for a look! (Prices are very affordable!)
Join the celebration and discover the joy of reading with the library!
