Mission
The David A. Howe Public Library is to serve as the center of cultural life in Wellsville by providing a balanced program of collecting and preserving books and other informational resources, adopting and promoting informational technologies, developing educational and cultural programming, fostering an appreciation for learning among young children and supporting the social and economic fabric of the community by providing a space for people to come together. The library affords this opportunity of life long growth and learning without distinction as to income, origin, age, background or views.
Collection
The David A. Howe Public Library is the largest public library in Allegany County. The collection has over 110,300 items which are available through STARCat, the Southern Tier Automated Regional Catalog. Highlights of the collection include Allegany County local history materials, popular and educational DVDs, a large print collection, music on compact disc, electronic and print magazine subscriptions, and current local and regional newspapers. The David A. Howe is a New York State Document depository.
Our patrons also have access to the shared collection of over 1,000,000 items held by the Southern Tier Library System and its over forty member libraries.
Programs
The library offers a wide array of cultural and educational programs for people of all ages in the community.
Adult Programs
Book discussions
How-to workshops
Craft and Hobby Classes
Youth Programs
Pre-school story hours
Summer reading activities
Teen Programming
Auditorium Programs
Instrumental and vocal concerts
Academic lectures
Theater and Dance
Tech Programs
Computer classes
One-on-one help
Services
Reader advisory, reference assistance, public access computer workstations including Internet access, online resources, print, copy, scanner and fax services
Accessibility
The David A. Howe Public Library is accessible for wheelchairs and strollers via a ramp and electric door opener at the main entrance. A separate ramp serves the auditorium. There is an accessible restroom on the main level. Computers and catalog access configured for the visually or hearing impaired are available. The staff will gladly assist all patrons in retrieving books from any location in the building.
Policies and Budget
The Trustees of the library will be requesting an addition of $222,400 in order to stabilize operations, invest in community priorities, preserve endowment principal and address rising costs.
This increase would result in an annual increase of approximately $39 per household. (For example:
the increase for a $100,000 home would cost taxpayers 75¢ per week and would ensure robust funding without placing undue burden on taxpayers.)
