Newark Library creates
'Stoddard Computer Center'

Lee and Rachel Stoddard are remembered by many people who worked with them, volunteered with them, shared their interests, their talents and their dedication to local causes and the community of Newark.

As a fitting testament to the spirit of the Stoddards, Newark Public Library is honoring their role as library volunteers with the Friends of the Library and in service to Board of Trustees for many years. Through the generosity of family, funds have been received to assist the library in maintaining the public computer area that is available to all community members.

Lee and Rachel Stoddard both died in 2007.

This gift offers the Library the opportunity to make a consistent effort to maintain computers, train staff, offer access to more library users on a consistent basis and to keep up with the surging demand for computer use.

The Library has elected to name their computer service area the 'Stoddard Computer Center.' The funds will serve to offer aid to the library budget over the next several years in support of equipment, furnishings, signage, wiring and bandwidth.

Library Director, Elly Dawson remarked, 'While the Internet offers opportunities for information and entertainment, more people have discovered the ease of making their own travel arrangements, mapping driving directions, banking, shopping and real estate information.'

Computers are a life tool for everyone. Library statistics show the increase in usage to be up 53 percent over 2007 figures.

Coupled with the recent response to a request of area businesses for matching funds given by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the library is able to work on a long-term plan for the continuation of public access to computers for the entire community. Generous contributions from Ultralife Batteries, Arcadia Sports and Awards, Spinco Metal Products, Chris Avery, Wegmans and Community Bank show that there is strong local support for the computer services the library provides.

Dawson added, 'I fondly recall working with Lee and Rachel from the beginning of my term as library director. Their labors for the library are not forgotten by anyone who worked beside them or who experienced the example of the way they generously shared their time for causes they believed in. Honoring them in this way truly praises the spirit of their service.'

top of page

Copyright © 2008
Courier-Gazette, 613 S. Main St. Newark, N.Y. 14513 - 315-331-1000
All Rights Reserved