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institution, its full time staff of 15, its past and present
achievements, and where he wants to lead it into the twenty-first
century.17
The story of Middletown Thrall Library today, its
achievements and successes, had antecedents from a much earlier
period. The first association of citizens, who seemingly wished
knowledge for themselves and cultural improvement for their
community, came about with the organization of the First Library
in 1801. Middletown was a hamlet with less than fifty people in
1801.10 Williams quoted from the record of the First Library's
organization :
Whereas a number of persons acknowledge the importance of enlarging the human mind with useful knowledge and that a library would be a happy means to obtain so laudable an object, subscription was accordingly drew [sic] up and a sufficient number signed and a sum of money raised adequate to incorporate according to law... it was voted that the Library should be called and hereafter known by the name of Middle Town Library in Walikill Town, Orange County...
Books of a "valuable historical character were purchased. "
The association was reorganized with a new constitution in 1827.
By 1828 the Library had 279 volumes. Nothing is known further
about this early library, where the books were housed or how long
this first 11brary remained in existence.as