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Review Photo/ERIC HRIN Members of the board of directors of the Allen F. Pierce Free Library in Troy hold a citation from the state House of Representatives sponsored by Rep. Matt Baker honoring the 100th anniversary of the library. From left to right, front row, are Ron Young; Dr. Abby Werlock, vice president of the board; and Carole Bayer, president of the board, and, left to right, back row, Bob Kendall and Jim Eckert. Missing from the photo are Kay McNeal and treasurer Sue Storch.

State House of Representatives honors library's 100th anniversary

BY ERIC HRIN (Staff Writer)
Published: February 9, 2012

TROY - The state House of Representatives is congratulating the Allen F. Pierce Free Library in Troy on its 100th anniversary.

In a citation from the House sponsored by Rep. Matt Baker, it was noted that the House "congratulates the Allen F. Pierce Free Library upon its well-deserved recognition" and "offers best wishes for continued growth and success in the years to come."

"Throughout its rich history, the library has grown and flourished due to strong visionary leadership, a deep belief in the power of the written word, and an environment which promotes education, entertainment, and achievement for each citizen in the community," the citation reads.

The citation notes that the library was originally established as the Troy Free Public Library on Jan. 20, 1912 and renamed the Allen F. Pierce Free Library on Oct. 29, 1978 when a new building was constructed.

In addition to being signed by Baker, the citation is signed by Samuel H. Smith, Speaker of the House, and Anthony Frank Barbush, Chief Clerk of the House.

"I think it's marvelous," said library board of directors president Carole Bayer. "We hope we have another 100 years."

She noted the anniversary celebration will continue throughout 2012.

Currently, the public is invited to look at a display in the library containing old photos, scrapbooks, and other materials about the library. Also, people can see a copy of the first book that was acquired by the library, "Lionel Lincoln" by James Fenimore Cooper. The title was donated to the library by Troy High School in 1912.

The book on display at the library isn't the actual book that was acquired; it is a copy of the book. The copy was obtained through inter-library loan from the Wellsboro Library, said librarian Sue Wolfe.

"Thanks are given to the Wellsboro Library for loaning their copy of 'Lionel Lincoln,'' said Wolfe. "It's an example of the edition we probably had."

It's not known what happened to original book in Troy, Wolfe said.

Eric Hrin can be reached at (570) 297-5251; email: reviewtroy@thedailyreview.com.