The Hillview Free Library was established in 1899 when Jane Keyes Hamilton, a resident of New York City and a visitor to Diamond Point decided the community should have a library. She along with some like-minded residents purchased the property and moved a neighborhood 1860's schoolhouse to the site. The building was refurbished and transformed into a library. Books were donated, fund drives were held and membership was encouraged as there was no other source of funding.
In 1901, having outgrown the original building, a friend, architect J. Dickinson Hunter, designed the stunning stone arched structure, whose curved door opened into an oak lined great room. This structure was built attached to the original library.
In 1967, a children's room was added with bookcases built by local craftsman Donald Quigan. In 1997 the great-room was renovated and in 2007 a central heating and air conditioning system was added.
Since the granting of it's charter in 1901, Hillview Library has upheld the founders mission expounded in 1905 by the president, E. Luther Hamilton: "I hope the members of the library...and those for whom it was established will feel an increased pride in it and feel as hopeful as I do as to it's usefulness and educational value."
Today the great room with it's diamond paneled windows is the scene of grant sponsored concerts, art exhibits, lectures and readers who enjoy the more than 15,000 books in the library's collection.
Of special interest is our collection of historical and rare books on the Adirondacks, and our original Seneca Ray Stoddard photographs. |
