BRASHER FALLS - In late 2014, the Badenhausen Branch of the Massena Public Library opened its doors in Brasher thanks to funding provided by the late Dr. Susan Badenhausen. The library served thousands of patrons over the years. However, the funding ran out at the end of 2021 and the library was slated for closure.

In the final months of 2021, volunteers and donors stepped up and did the work necessary to continue to provide the services patrons had come to expect and enjoy. The Badenhausen Reading Room opened its doors for business on January 3, 2022.

Having had a successful year with increased services offered and patron visits, the Board of Trustees decided it was time to become a chartered library. Working with the Division of Library Development it was agreed that a sustainable source of funding is necessary prior to applying for a charter.

The Reading Room Board of Trustees petitioned the Brasher Falls Central School District to become a school district library. The process for doing so is dictated by the New York State Department of Education. The petition was accepted, and the proposed referendum was approved and will go before the voters on June 20, 2023.

“We’re excited to be moving in this direction,” said Laurel Murphy, President of the Badenhausen Reading Room Board of Trustees. “Securing funding for the future of the reading room, soon to be a library is important to our patrons and the community at large.”

The Badenhausen Reading Room’s mission is to promote literacy and provide services to the residents of the Tri-Town community as well as the greater St. Lawrence County area. The Badenhausen Reading Room offers reading material to check out, programming, Wi-Fi, computers, faxing, copying and more. The Reading Room is a member of the North Country Library System and has access to the services it offers.