"Wellsville, to me, will always be the centre of the universe. It was here that I grew up and received my education, and it is befitting that I in return for the favors thrust upon me as a boy and young man should, on my part, endeavor to do something to make the rising generations have better facilities for improving their minds; thus, in presenting to Wellsville a Public Library, I feel that it is something that will live and not be for a day’s pleasure."

These were the words written by David A. Howe in a letter to the community when the first true public library opened in Wellsville at the end of the 19^th century. Mr. Howe’s intention was to give a gift to Wellsville that continued to shape and improve the lives of people throughout the area with each passing generation.

Today, his gift continues to give back in a way that our community can never truly measure. As recipients and caretakers of this blissful gift, we must take full advantage of, and absorb each day the benefits the David A. Howe Public Library provides.

The library is proud to offer this year’s fall community lecture series, which incorporates both the September Project and the AlleCatt Regional Read Program.

For the third straight year, the David A. Howe Public Library is participating in the September Project. This year’s program focuses on the tragic events occurring in the global regions of Darfur, Africa and Indonesia, Asia. The purpose of the September Project is to create cultural awareness of issues that occur in the United States as well as in other parts of the world. The David A. Howe Public Library is just one of more than 400 libraries participating in this year’s program throughout 24 different nations.

This "Spotlight on the Library" article was written by Brian Hildreth, the David A. Howe Public Library director. Articles are written and published biweekly in the Wellsville Daily Reporter.

Click on a date below to read a recent article. 

Find a complete list of articles on the Search the Library page.

Click here to read the Wellsville Daily Reporter online

On Tuesday, September 25, Dr. Nadine Hoover, Director of the Conscience Studio and Coordinator of Friends Peace Teams Indonesia Initiative, will visit the library to discuss the continuing conflict in Indonesia and the hardships the people of Aceh, Indonesia have faced over the last thirty years of war. Dr. Hoover will offer suggestions to aid the Acehnese people and build peace and security in the world through friendship and conscientiousness. This lecture begins at 7 pm and is free and open to the public. The Wellsville Creative Art Center will be serving a variety of free coffees.

In addition to the September Project, the library is participating in a regional read program called, AlleCatt Reads. AlleCatt Reads is a collaborative effort, spearheaded by local public libraries, to encourage citizens of Allegany and Cattaraugus Counties to read and discuss the issues of a chosen book. This year AlleCatt Reads...The World is Flat by Thomas L. Friedman.

The library will offer two community lectures and a movie showing as part of its participation. Additionally, many books, movies and preprinted journal articles will be provided by the library to inform patrons on the growing issues of globalization. Patrons are encouraged to check out the AlleCatt Reads website (www.allecattreads.org) for many programs occurring throughout Wellsville, Allegany & Cattaraugus Counties.

On Thursday, October 4, Dr. Steven Scalet of Binghamton University’s School of Business will visit the library to discuss Corporate Social Responsibility. Dr. Scalet will shed light on the growing issue of corporations as community partners and demonstrate that it is possible for companies to boast profits while improving lives of citizens. This lecture will begin at 7 pm and is free and open to the public.