Gary Kochersberger, Kevin Kochersberger, and Barbara Kochersberger Pagels attended the celebration to honor their parents, Dr. Bob and Marge Kochersberger.

SINCLAIRVILLE — During the Sinclairville History Fair on Sept. 13, the Sinclairville Free Library celebrated the library building that was constructed 25 years ago in 2020. The library was founded in 1870 and chartered in 1894. We were thrilled to have speakers who were involved in the building construction and fund-raising available to offer their remembrances of the amazing community backing that fulfilled this dream of a permanent home for the library.

Hugh Tranum, a member of the Building Fund, shared his high praise for the strong leadership and cooperation within the committee, with Dr. Bob Kochersberger serving as chair. Other members of the building committee included Gale Sauer, Oscar Brandquist, Bob Peterson, Dean Houser, Pat Webb, Earl Riggle, Ruth Smith, Stephen Marchinson, and Roslin Newton. Within two years, $400,000 was secured, with over $150,000 received from past and present residents of the Cassadaga Valley Central School district.

The groundbreaking occurred in 1999 with Gale Sauer serving as the Clerk of the Works. Two young ladies, ages 7 and 3 years of age, were the first to dig the first turn of the soil. They were Meagan Marsh Klem, and Emily Marsh Fisher. Meagan shared her past and current connections with the library; currently serving as a member of the Board of Trustees.

Donna Nichols was Vice President of the Board in 2000, and shared her remembrance of how the library’s Story Hour played an important role in her life and her children’s lives.

Kevin Kochersberger, one of Bob and Marge Kochersberger’s children, represented his love of the library, having gotten hooked on the field of aviation. He and his siblings, Bob Jr., Gary, and Barbara remain committed to supporting the library each year.

Cathy Obert, who served as the secretary of the Board of Trustees in 2000, now remains dedicated to the library through fund-raising and enjoying working with her Friday morning Craft Group friends. She shared her remembrances of the building project. We have a bench and a statue in the front lawn in memory of her daughter, Lisa, who according to Cathy read every book available in her age group and wanted more!

Beth Hadley, our current Library Director, read greetings from former library manager, Lynn Ann Faber, who now lives in North Carolina. Hadley spoke of her love for the library and gratitude for the many connections the library shares within its service area: town of Charlotte, town of Gerry, and the village of Sinclairville.

Lisa Greeley, former library manager, currently serves on the Board of Trustees, and dressed in period attire, along with Hope Fredrickson, representing former Librarians.

Roslin Newton shared how she became involved with the library. After asking Dr. Bob Kochersberger if he needed any help with the building fund, he quickly asked “Can you take minutes?” When the answer was “Yes,” she became involved and through the years has met many wonderful community members in the process.

Homemade cupcakes, made by the Board members, were served along with a refreshing drink. Our 25th anniversary was a wonderful success.