Minoa Free Library
​
  • HOME
    • LOCATION
  • NEWSLETTER
  • KIDS' STUFF
  • NEW ITEMS
  • OUR DVDs & Blu-Rays
    • Adult DVDs
    • Adult Blu-Rays
    • Children's DVDs
    • Children's Blu-Rays
  • ABOUT US
    • OUR HISTORY
    • Book Donation Policy
    • Computer Use Policy
    • Patron Code of Conduct
  • SUPPORT US
  • PICTURE GALLERY

Picture
                           OUR HISTORY
...

The Village of Minoa is located east of Syracuse, NY with strong ties to the railroad industry. The Library was originally opened in 1935 at the initiative of Frank & Vienna Maxwell and local residents including an existing Book Club. The name Minoa Free Library was chosen at the time as the Trustees knew they had to depend solely on local government and private support. A public library has larger assets and may benefit more directly through state aid.

Picture
The problem of space was solved when Mayor William Costello (1927-1962) offered half of the small village office to the library. At that time the village office was located in a small room of the Fire Barn. Shelves and desks were built and contributed by Mr. Maxwell's high school shop classes. Local residents donated books. Although it was crowded from the beginning it stayed in that location for the next 23  years.

Picture
In 1937 Minoa Free Library received a Certificate of Registration from the University of the State of New York
Education Department. 


In the spring of 1958, the Library was moved to the old Methodist Church Building on East Ave., purchased by George Rees and donated to the village. The sanctuary was designated for use by the Library. Open six days a week and holding various programs enhanced its offerings.  Facilities were extended to the Minoa Elementary School since they had no room in the school      building. The school librarian served part time in the village                                                                                     library, and went to school rooms carrying books on a cart.

Picture
Again, quickly outgrowing its facilities good news came from the
ES-M Board of  Education
 in 1962: the Kindergarten building at
112 Willard St. was no longer needed as a school. After some renovations Minoa Library finally had an entire building to house
its collection, which in 1963 was more than 13,000 books. Circulation
​had more than doubled over the previous ten years to over 31,000
.

Picture
An Absolute Charter from the University of the State of New York Education Department was granted in 1967.

When the new Village of Minoa Municipal Building was opened in 2005, the Library moved to its current location at​ 242 N. Main St., on the corner of East Ave. The Fire station anchors the Adams St. end, with Village Offices and public meeting spaces occupying the rest of the building. Parking is off East Ave
.

Picture
Picture

 ..

Picture
We are a Suburban Member of the Onondaga
County Public Library
system, which shares resources from all the OCPL branches and libraries in Onondaga County, greatly increasing what is available to our Patrons.

The Library owes its existence & success to the time & efforts of many volunteers. Thank you!
Minoa Library was honored to receive The Greater Manlius Chamber of Commerce Distinguished Citizens of the Year Award at a Reception on March 7, 2017. Also honored were Manlius Library, Fayetteville Library, David's Refuge and Ben Gnacik. The Eighteenth Annual Reception held at Drumlins Country Club was attended by Minoa Library Director Laura Ravera and her husband Bob Ravera, Village of Minoa Mayor Bill Brazill and his wife Cindy, Library Board President Tracy Callahan, Library Board Vice President Tom Carlin and staff member Jean Houseman.
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
​Town of Manlius Supervisor Edmond Theobald introducing the directors of the 3 libraries being recognized
Picture
Library Directors: Minoa - Laura Ravera; Manlius - Jennifer Milligan; Fayetteville - Susan Considine
Picture
​Jean Houseman, staff; Tom Carlin, Library Board Vice President; Laura Ravera, Director; Tracy Callahan, Library Board President; Bill Brazill, Minoa Mayor

                             Village of Minoa Municipal Building                                         Minoa Free Library - Main St. view                                    Minoa Free Library - East Ave. view             

Picture
Picture
Picture
         A fuller article on the History of Minoa Free Library up until the year 2000 can be found in the May 2000 Twelfth Edition of The Minoa Chronicle
         available for $1.00 at the Minoa Village Clerk's Office. Other historical information about the Library and the local area is also available for use
         in the Library upon request at the Circulation Desk.

Picture
Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.