Library
Timeline

[Click any image to see larger version]
1961: Petit Branch opens
-1961 Annual Report
Architect's view of Petit
1961: Frieda Gates
retires as director of the Syracuse Public Library
- Post-Standard, Dec. 3, 1961
1962: 1.3 million
books loaned from the Syracuse Public Library in 1962
- Post-Standard, Mar. 28, 1963
National Library Week observed [1961]
1962: The Onondaga
Library System forms to facilitate cooperation among public libraries in Onondaga County and implement universal
borrowing privileges for patrons
- Post-Standard, July 1, 1962
Onondaga Library System exhibit
1963: Onondaga Library
System offers films and long playing records from the State Library to 19 member libraries in Onondaga County
- Post-Standard, Jan.
24, 1963
1963: Liverpool
Library joins the Onondaga Library System as its 19th member
- Post-Standard,
June 21, 1963
1963: Syracuse Public
Library provides book ordering and catalog services for member libraries of the Onondaga Library System
- Herald-Journal,
Aug. 8, 1963
1963: Self-service
photocopier installed in Central Library’s reference department
- Post-Standard,
October 5, 1963
1963: Betts Branch
Library dedicated October 28, 1963
- Post-Standard, Oct. 27, 1963
Architect's view of Betts Branch
Betts Branch Exterior
Betts Branch Dedication
1964: Library
director Henry McCormick declares the Central Library building “clearly inadequate … (for)
present day research and library service needs”
- Herald-Journal,
Jan. 24, 1964
1964: Ground
broken for Oscar F. Soule Branch Library
- Post-Standard, Sept.
16, 1964
1965: Oscar F. Soule Branch opened October 25, 1965
- Post-Standard, Oct. 26, 1965
Soule opens - Image 2
Soule opens - Image 3
1966: $330,000 west
end library branch proposed
- Post-Standard, Nov. 4, 1966
1967: Onondaga County
Library System receives permanent charter from the New York State Board of Regents
- Herald-Journal,
March 30, 1967
1968: Library trustees
propose a city-county library to be called Onondaga County Public Library
- Herald-American,
Jan. 21, 1968
1968: More than 200
8mm films are made available for home use from the Art and Music Department
- Post-Standard, May 20, 1968
1968: Civil Service
Employees Association recognized as bargaining agent Syracuse Public Library Employees
- Herald-Journal,
June 28, 1968
1968: Mediator named
in salary dispute between the city and library employees
- Post-Standard, Sept. 19, 1968
1968: Mildred C. Betts
leaves $22,200 to the Betts Fund and the Frederick Betts Branch
- Post-Standard, Sept. 25, 1968
1968: Syracuse Common
Council approves purchase of Pomeroy Building next to Central Library for possible expansion
- Post-Standard,
Nov. 13, 1968
Pomeroy Building - Image 1
1969: New Hazard
Branch Library dedicated
- Post-Standard, Feb. 20, 1969
Hazard Branch Exterior - Image 2
Card Catalog & Interior Hazard Branch
Busy desk at dedication
Children's Room
Mayor Walsh and Hazard Dedication televised
Hazard Dedication
Attentive Audience at Hazard Dedication
1969: 400 16mm films
and several art reproductions are available loan from Central Library
- Post-Standard, June 16, 1969
1969: Patrons watch
Apollo moon landing on television set in Central Library
- Herald-Journal, July 16, 1969
History Observed at Central Library
1969: Syracuse Public
Library’s first bookmobile is placed in service
- Post-Standard, August 6, 1969
Bookmobile on the street
Bookmobile Dedication
Bookmobile Patrons [1970's]