CHAZY — Dr. George W. Clark took note when locals here hinted about a future use for his office.
In his will, executed last summer, the small-town physician left the historic stone building to the Chazy Public Library Board of Trustees.
Last month, the board unanimously passed a resolution to accept Clark's gift.
"This is a fantastic opportunity for the people of Chazy to be able to expand from our limited space in the historic Hubbell building without having to invest in land or a new building," said Board President George Brendler.
"Like the present building, the doctor's office is located in the village center and steeped in local history, allowing us to continue those Chazy Public Library traditions."
Clark, a lifelong resident who practiced into his 80s, died in May 2009. He willed his home, adjacent to the office on Fiske Road, to the Alice T. Miner Colonial Collection. The museum has a year to accept the bequest, and the Town of Chazy is polling residents to see what they think should be done with it.
Although the transfer of the office won't officially occur until library trustees receive the deed to the property, enthusiasm has them charging full speed ahead with preparations.
"We are going forward as if we have the building and planning ... what we want to do," Brendler said.
CURRENT LIMITS
Chazy's current library is significantly smaller than Clark's office building, and, according to Brendler, faces serious structural challenges.
"It has no space for new books and has been non-compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act since that law was enacted around 1995," he said.
In addition, the building houses only two computers and leaves little room to orchestrate activities that could inspire community interest.
MORE SPACE
Although the office building will take at least a year to renovate, its two floors provide the space necessary to incorporate a handicapped-accessible bathroom, small meeting rooms and offices, display areas and a large community room.
It also includes an expansive room on the lower level that, according to Brendler, yields endless possibilities, such as arts-and -crafts sessions and movie showings for local youths, art gallery displays and even meeting space for other community organizations.
The board also hopes to develop land in the back of the building, which will provide a parking area, as well as other creative outlets.
"This scenic area along the river would also provide an opportunity for small outdoor functions," Brendler said.
DONATIONS NEEDED
Plans to establish fundraising and grant-writing committees are in the works.
"But we can't raise funds until we get the title," Brendler said.
And although an exact financial goal has yet to be established, trustees have voted to create the Chazy Public Library Foundation, which will allow tax-deductible donations for the new library.
The state allots a certain amount of grant money to its library systems, but Brendler says this year brings new challenges.
"The governor is trying to cut funds for libraries while the need for them has increased," he said.
According to the New York Library Association, midyear budget cuts meant a 12-percent reduction in state funding to libraries.
With this in mind, Brendler asks people to remember the services that libraries provide the public, including access to technology and education that "should be available to everyone."
GENEROSITY CITED
Brendler cited Clark as a prime example of giving back to the community.
"Sometimes people don't recognize the importance of a one-time gift. If one man can give us his whole piece of property, worth more than $100,000, surely an individual can give a $10 donation.
"We're asking people to please look beyond today.
"We've been granted the opportunity of a lifetime to perpetuate this community's rich history — not for us, but for future generations."
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