Patrick Fund Helps Bring Children’s Library to Oneonta

In 2025, the Patrick Fund Committee granted the Huntington Memorial Library’s request for $15,000 for its new Children’s Library branch. On the evening of April 10, I had the honor of representing FUMC at the grand opening at 14 Dietz Street.

The vibrant colors of the outdoors theme are striking. There’s a very real-looking tree towards the back; on one of its branches sits a lovely Mama bird feeding a fun giant worm to her adorable chicks! There’s plenty of kid-friendly seating beneath the tree’s branches, as well as in the activity nook near the front door.

The well-stocked bookshelves are movable for varied activities. Atop the shelves along one wall is a row of birch trees whose trunks were created with pages from old books. The high tin ceiling typical of many downtown Oneonta buildings is painted sky blue, and the walls are covered with soundproofing “bricks” that eliminate the echoing that high ceilings can create.

The Patrick Fund gift is greatly appreciated by the library staff and is acknowledged in the front window. I enthusiastically recommend a visit to this wonderful space when you’re downtown!