Southworth Library cashes in Lincoln manuscript
DRYDEN, N.Y. -- The Southworth Library in Dryden is an icon of the community.
"This is an absolute gem of a building,” said Mary Ellen Rumsey, Library Board President.
But its pleasing form can't make up for the lack of function.
"Our staff has worked with yardsticks and rulers trying to get enough room to get in the building what are public really needs,” said Rumsey.
So the library board decided to cash in on its most valuable asset, a four page speech penned by Abraham Lincoln himself.
The library keeps a copy on display, but the original was shown only once, at the country's bicentennial in 1976. The document sold for more than $3 million at Christie's Auction House in New York City last week.
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"To be honest with you, I didn't feel anything. It was just unreal,” said Rumsey.
Although the library just gave up its most prized possession, it may be getting something even more valuable in return. The empty lot behind the library will be the sight of a brand new wing.
"Library service needs have changed dramatically. The advent of new kinds of technology. The need for computer stations, DVD's, videos, large-print books. All of that kind of additional materials require more space,” said Michael Lane, Library Trustee.
With several steps and narrow aisles, the current building is not accessible to people with disabilities. The money earned by the sale of the manuscript will cover the cost of the new construction, and add enough to the endowment to keep the facility running.
"We should be consulting with members of the community about what they would like to see. It's their library. And then we'll move on from there to try to construct it,” said Lane.
Lane says that Lincoln's true gift to the town is the library's new wing.