Vestal’s first library was located in the home of Mrs. Ray Hanley on North Jensen Road. It was the result of members from two Willow Point Bureau units who recognized the need for a library here. The units applied for a loan of 50 books from the State Library in Albany for the new Willow point Community Library in approximately 1947.
The Vestal Free Library opened its doors on September 16, 1949 in the former Daughters of Union Veterans clubhouse at 516 Front Street. A street dance, sponsored by the Lions, followed the dedication ceremony. The Lions Club had been instrumental in establishing the new library and club member George Roney headed the first board of trustees which included Clifton A. Rose, Vice President; Beatrice M. Kintner, Clarence Manning, and Chales Zuleeg, trustees; Rex Rose, treasurer; Arleigh Martin, acting secretary.
Mrs. Clement Burke was appointed as the first librarian. The library was open Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday afternoons as well as Thursday evening. The first year’s circulation of 775 grew to 3911 by 1952. The library raised money through a door-to-door membership drive each fall. Payment of $1 entitled the payee to attend the annual meeting and vote as a member. Originally books were donated to the library but after the approval of a provisional charter, the library received an annual grant of $200.
The Town supervisor recommended the formation of a citizen’s committee to find a new, larger site for the library, one that could serve the population which had grown to 21,000. The site originally chosen in 1966 was the old church property on Main Street.
The first step toward State Certification occurred in late 1969 when a full-time professional librarian, Maurice J. Montgomery was hired. One year later, in December 1970, the name was officially changed from Vestal Free Library to Vestal Public Library.
In May 1972 the former Loblaw Grocery Store on the Vestal Parkway became vacant. Its size, 17000 SF, parking space for 500 cars, proximity to the high school, and easy access from the Parkway grabbed the attention of the Town Board. After the referendum passed, the Main Street property was sold.
The library officially moved from Front Street to the new location during August of 1974. Librarian, Mrs. Rosoborough, enlisted the help of town residents by encouraging them to each borrow 12 books before the move, returning them to the new library. She calculated that would reduce the number of books to be moved by about 15,000.
The Grand Opening occurred on October 6, 1974 with town and county officials, the Vestal marching band, scouts, and the Binghamton Press participating.