MOFFAT MAKING MOVES

By MEGAN FICO

Built in 1887, the Moffat Library is one of Washingtonville’s oldest and most treasured buildings.   Its recent remodel has brought it back to the forefront making it a warm and inviting  place for young and old to retreat.

The Moffat Library was built in memory of Samuel Moffat, David H. Moffat and Catherine Moffat by the Moffat children on the site of Samuel’s home.  On April 25, 1887, it was decided that the library was going to be built, but the library itself did not exist just yet.  The Moffat Library Association was created to establish a library and reading room.  In 1888, bookcases were finally installed and more and more books began to appear on the library’s shelves. 

By 1899, the collection had grown close to 2000 books, most of which were donated by David H. Moffat, after whom the library is named.  While the collection books at the Moffat Library has grown and changed, its objective has remained true to the goals of its founder, David H. Moffat.  His objective was always to help with “the diffusion of useful knowledge.”  

MEGAN FICO FOR THE WIZARD WEEKLY

In 1994, Moffat Library received National and State Historical Property Designation and in 1995, the library changed its status, becoming a Public School District library: Moffat Library of Washingtonville.

Devastatingly, in 2016, Moffat was destroyed due to the effects of Hurricane Sandy.  In true Washingtonville fashion, the entire community came together to rebuild and restore its beloved library.  After what seemed like an eternity, the library was fully rebuilt and finally reopened in 2017 and has been in full use ever since. 

With all of the excitement of the new and improved library, many people of all ages were anxious to use the facilities.  As a result, new rules needed to be employed.  Starting January 8, the library had to implement some new rules regarding the use of the library for minors.  

According to the library’s website, the new rules state, “All children ten years and under using the Moffat Library must be accompanied by an adult guardian at all times.  Any unaccompanied minor between the ages of eleven and seventeen must show a valid Moffat Library card and a school or other NYS-issued photo ID and sign in at the Circulation Desk to use the library facility, library grounds or any library services.  Parents or guardians who wish to allow their child (between the ages of eleven and seventeen) use of the Moffat Library unaccompanied must apply in person for a Moffat Library card for their child.”

Jessica Fico, a former student at Washingtonville High School, uses the library often, as she is studying to become an elementary teacher and is attending graduate school at Hunter College.  Jessica feels the new policies are appropriate for the new library because “they benefit library goers by ensuring that the library remains a calm, safe, and respectful place to read or complete work.”  

Jessica has recently been using the library to complete the final steps of her undergraduate degree as well as becoming a New York State certified teacher.  She finds it easiest to get her work done when she is in a “quiet, undisturbed setting.”  

All of the staff members at the Moffat Library believe that enforcing these rules will create a safe and enjoyable environment for everyone who goes to the library.  They want to keep the library a place for anyone to come and act how they are supposed to so everyone can get their work done.  Having these new rules also provides safety for both children in the library and the new library itself, ensuring nothing becomes damaged.