On the Book Front:

Community Connections
and Collaborations

The following column was written by Karin Thomas, Director of the Dutton S. Peterson Memorial Library, located at 106 First St. in Odessa.

With the year winding down, The Dutton S. Peterson Memorial Library would like to publicly thank our community partners for an exciting and eventful 2026. We are privileged to partner with many wonderful community businesses and agencies throughout the year. These collaborations help us provide materials, programs, outreach, and other resources that would not be possible without their support.

The Dutton S. Peterson Memorial Library relies on grants for the majority of programs offered. In 2026, local funding from the United Way of Schuyler County, Southern Tier Library System, Foundation for Southern Tier Libraries, ARTS Council of the Southern Finger Lakes, Sustainable Finger Lakes, Dollar General Literacy Foundation, and Community Foundation of Elmira-Corning and the Finger Lakes, Inc. helped make all of our programs free and accessible to everyone.

Local government and area businesses, such as the Village of Odessa, Fidddlesticks Tea Co., The Bucket Bar and Grill, Odessa Coffee Depot, Bub's Spirits, and Dandy Mini-Mart have all contributed to the success of library-sponsored programs and community activities this year, including Odessa Community Jam, Odessa Community Day, and the end-of-summer Potluck Picnic.

The Peterson Library frequently collaborates with the three other Schuyler Libraries -- the Montour Falls Memorial Library, the Watkins Glen Public Library, and the Elizabeth B. Pert Library in Hector -- to expand the reach of programs and services to all Schuyler County residents. Because of this close partnership, the libraries were able to provide arts, recreation, and education to hundreds of children, teens, and adults during the six-week Summer Learning Program.

Collaborations with Watkins Glen Promotions brings library outreach programs and services to multiple local festivals. Connecting hundreds of individuals and families with free books and hands-on activities while promoting the library's vast number of resources is a highlight of the year! We are also grateful to the staff at Southern Finger Lakes Pride who offer training, support, and mentorship for both the Saturday Night Pride monthly program for teens and the recently added Annual Schuyler Pride Celebration.

Dedicated volunteers at the Family Reading Partnership of Chemung Valley collect and donate books that we use to fill two Bright Red Bookshelves located at the Schuyler Hospital. Weekly volunteers from The Arc of Chemung-Schuyler help library staff with various projects and tasks while learning vocational and job readiness skills. Schuyler County Office for the Ageing invites library staff to set up a Mobile Library on the first Thursday of each month at the Silver Spoon Cafe. This collaborative program brings books and library services directly to seniors who may have difficulty visiting the library.

The Schuyler County Historical Society sponsors and supports many community programs, including the popular History Walks and History Talks in Odessa and the surrounding areas. Master Gardeners at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Schuyler County and Sustainable Finger Lakes provide education, volunteers, and funding for the newly installed pollinator garden. Lastly, a huge thank you to our team of library volunteers. Their time and commitment make it possible for us to remain open evenings and Saturdays, providing access to those who cannot visit during regular library hours. They are invaluable members of our library family.

The generosity and support of community partners, volunteers, organizations, and grant funders allow the Dutton S. Peterson Memorial Library to continue connecting, serving, and enriching the residents of our community. Keep an eye out for exciting new programs this fall and winter. Information can be found on our website (duttonpetersonlibrary.org), The Odessa File, Hi-Lites, Review and Express, Facebook and Instagram, or just give us a call and ask what's coming up (607)594-2791.

Thank you all!