The Barneveld Free Library Association was established in 1874, inspired by the generosity of Jacob Wicks, who offered a room rent-free for the purpose of creating a library. To support this initiative, a subscription paper was circulated to raise funds, successfully securing a total of $99. On November 21, 1874, the subscribers gathered at the home of Dr. Luther Guiteu and formally organized as the Trenton Library Association. The association began with a collection of 240 books.
Tragedy struck on March 17, 1875, when a fire consumed the entire block housing the library, resulting in the loss of most of the books. Only 40 books, which were out in circulation at the time, survived the disaster. Undeterred, the citizens of the community resolved to rebuild. They convened and raised an additional $118.75. Donations of books came from various parts of the country, and by the end of 1875, the library’s collection had grown to 1,200 volumes.
On June 12, 1875, the organization was incorporated as the Barneveld Library Association. The incorporators chose to name the library after the Village of Barneveld, which itself had been named by Gerrit Boon. The association decided to construct a dedicated building and purchased a site from John Hughes for $100, with Mr. Hughes generously contributing back half of the purchase price. By 1876, the association had managed to raise $1,200 for the project.
Library Building and Legacy
The cornerstone of the library building, which remains in use today, was laid on July 27, 1877. The total cost for the building was approximately $1,700. The construction was overseen by the great-grandfather of Alexander Pirnie of Utica. In 1881, John Seymour, brother to New York State governor Horatio Seymour, donated a grandfather clock to the library. This clock still resides in the library, marking the passage of time just as it did for generations past.
Over time, the library has evolved into both a museum and a historical center. Among its prized possessions are letters from Adrian Van der Kemp, which detail his journey through New York in 1792 and offer valuable insights into the experiences of early settlers. The library also houses Bibles and other treasured books brought by settlers from Holland. A notable relic is a copy press reputedly used by Thomas Jefferson during a visit to the Van der Kemps.
Today, the Barneveld Free Library is part of the Mid-York Library System and utilizes computer technology for connectivity. The library provides wi-fi service, internet-accessible computers, pre-school story hours, and a variety of programs throughout the year. Now known as the Barneveld Free Library, it continues to serve as both a library and a museum and historical center for the community.