From the Director
July - August 2008

Recently, Mr. John C. Rubino contacted the Library to say his family would like to donate $50,000 to sponsor the local history room at the Library. The rendering of the local history room is depicted at left.

Mr. Rubino commented how beautiful it was and felt the Library was most worthy of this donation since it is the center of learning, knowledge, and culture of our town.

The Rubino Family founded The Stony Hill Inn in 1945. Mr. John Rubino, Sr. noted that his parents, Anthony and Christine, founders of the Inn, would be memorialized with this sponsorship.

The Rubinos' company has never made a donation of this size before, making this outstanding gift truly special. Their generosity shows how much they value the Bethel Public Library as well as their devotion to their family.

Plans for the Seelye Local History Room are to restore as much as possible, such as the hardwood floors, staircase and banister, and the windows. Period light fixtures also will be installed.

This space will house the local history collection as well as provide access to online genealogy databases and local newspapers on microfilm. It will be a quiet study and research space with comfortable seating and plenty of natural light. Occasionally, special programs may be held here as well.

For more information about the capital campaign, please check out the Support Your Library section of the Library's web site or call the library director at 794-8756 ext. 6.

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