Embracing community is one of our core
values. We believe in giving back to the people and places who have helped us
grow over the last 120 years and made us who we are today. Operating across New York State, we’re proud to call
Edmeston our original hometown. It was here in this small agricultural
community, that we were founded in 1899 when one farmer lost everything in a fire and - realizing that the town needed to
be better prepared for the future - 27 businessmen and residents came together
to pool money and protect one another from fires and lightning, officially establishing the New York Central
Mutual Fire Insurance Company.
Our tie to this town is strong. It’s where we’ve built our
headquarters, and where we recently broke ground on a new building
to accommodate our growth. That’s why, when the Edmeston
Free Library came to us seeking assistance with funds
for a vision to build a renovated space, we didn’t think twice.
When the library inherited a turn of the
century home in downtown Edmeston, the library board realized that this was a
grand opportunity; a chance to build something instrumental to the social
wellness of the community.
“A library should be far more than a
collection of books,” explained Edmeston Free Library Board Member Martha
Winsor. “It should be a place where people can come together.”
While the current library services the
community with books and other media, the building is quaint and doesn’t allow
the organization to hold functions the way that the board would like to. Lack of space also means lack of technology and resources, with
the current library only offering up one computer to the public.
A newly renovated space will be a place
for people to congregate; where programs can be held and where patrons can get
advice on technology. There has even been talk of adding a coffee shop inside,
which would only add to the cozy vibe that the board is after.
Of course, big dreams come with big plans
and big budgets. The new building is an approved national historic building.
While this adds a lot of character to the space, it also presents a slew of
renovation hurdles, including a new roof, electric, front porch, and basement
reinforcement to accommodate three stories of books and people. In addition,
the building will need new bathrooms, a kitchen for putting on dinners and
cooking classes, and a lift to make the space accommodating for all patrons.
The library renovation is a multi-year
project which is being funded with grant money from the state and money raised
through fundraising efforts and donations. We’re proud to contribute $50,000 in
2019 towards the cause.
Already into the 3rd year of phases, the
current projected completion date is estimated for 2025.
Senior Vice President of Customer
Relations Jeremy Robinson explains the mindset behind the donation: “The
library provides a place for people to come together, learn and grow. By
building a better community, we are building a better future for everyone.”
Robinson also touched on how giving back
is true to the core of NYCM, “It is who we are; people caring about other
people. When you are based in a small, rural community like Edmeston, it is
incumbent upon on NYCM to support the development of the community.”
