About Lyndonville and the Yates Community Library

The Village of Lyndonville was established in 1903, the last village to be incorporated in Orleans County. The first business center was located at Yates Center, but in 1827, it shifted slightly south to Lyndonville because of the waterpower provided there by Johnson’s Creek. The opening of the Rome-Watertown-Ogdensburg Railroad in 1876 led to improved ease of shipping and receiving goods, and Lyndonville became a local market center.

History of the Library
Late in the year 1948, a small group of foresighted citizens met to discuss ways to establish a lending library.  With growing interest and a great deal of work by many individuals, the Yates Community Library received its provisional charter from the State of New York, and opened on July 16, 1949. The first collection of 900 donated books was housed in the Yates Town Hall. Later, the growing collection was moved to various buildings in downtown Lyndonville, until 1971, when it settled into the handsome brick building it now occupies.  Built on land donated by the William A. Smith family, with a sweeping view of Lyndonville Pond, the dam and waterfall, and Veterans Park, its lovely setting is a delight to all.  Dedicated to William’s wife, the Mary Smith Memorial building was funded with a core of $30,000 donated by the Smith family.  To this, the community enthusiastically responded with a successful fund-matching drive led by James W. Whipple. On June 19th, 2006, the building was rededicated following complete renovation and redecoration.

Today the Yates Community Library seeks to serve all residents of its chartered service area, the Lyndonville Central School District, as a community gathering place where everyone is welcome to come in, connect, learn, and enjoy programs.  Through its membership in the Nioga Library System, Yates Community Library borrowers have access at no charge to the virtually limitless collections of materials in libraries throughout western New York and beyond.  Cardholders may download movies, music, and more through Nioga’s electronic services, and their research is enhanced by free access to databases to which the System subscribes.  Yates Community Library strives to provide an ever-broadening scope of services for personal growth to all in the community.