Wood-Ridge Memorial Library

Did you know the Wood-Ridge Memorial Library began in a schoolroom? It’s true. Right here where we stand this beautiful building with its rich history started humbly. In 1930 Mrs Arthur R Hotz and Mrs Harry Rossler saw a need for a library in Wood-Ridge. They rallied the community. Soon enough they opened the first Wood-Ridge library with about 2000 books. It was housed in School No 2. The Wood-Ridge Memorial Library wasn’t always this grand structure. It faced many challenges. At first it only operated a few hours a day. Many volunteers dedicated their time. Mrs Eleanor Noble was the first salaried librarian. Her warm personality made the library beloved. In 1934 the library outgrew its space in the school. The town helped it find a new home in a store on Valley Boulevard. This temporary location served the community until 1954. That’s when the library moved into this very building the former Brinkerhoff House. It’s a fascinating story. The Brinkerhoff House is incredibly old possibly predating 1700. It’s made of native hand-cut sandstone. Inside you’ll find hand-hewn oak timbers. Imagine the craftsmanship. The library wasn’t always meant to be here. At one point people wanted to demolish the old house. A dedicated group worked hard to save the Brinkerhoff House. They convinced the town to make it the new Wood-Ridge Memorial Library. After a successful referendum the building was restored. The Wood-Ridge Memorial Library officially opened here on September 19 1954. This historic building is more than just a library. It is a symbol of community perseverance. It stands as a testament to those who fought to preserve its history. The Wood-Ridge Memorial Library continues to serve its community. It provides a wealth of resources. Today it offers a diverse range of services. From e-books to movies and magazines the Wood-Ridge Memorial Library remains a vital part of Wood-Ridge. The library is still a beloved local institution just like Mrs Noble envisioned. So take a moment to appreciate the story behind this building. The Wood-Ridge Memorial Library embodies the spirit of its community.