1. Home
  2.  News
  3.  Local News

Roof placement 'tops off' new Goshen library

| 05 Jul 2018 | 10:06
    Workers from Gilbane Building Company in Albany fit the last steel beam into the framework of the new Goshen Public Library and Historical Society during the "Topping Off” ceremony held on June 29 (Photo by Geri Corey)
    Workers from Gilbane Building Company in Albany fit the last steel beam into the framework of the new Goshen Public Library and Historical Society during the "Topping Off” ceremony held on June 29 (Photo by Geri Corey)
    Jack Meek, a Goshen seventh-grader and avid library user, signs the beam before it was lifted to complete the steel framework for the new library. “It’s cool to have the names up there for as long as the building is standing,” said Jack. He’s hoping the library will have lots of history books, especially those on World War I and World War II (Photo by Geri Corey)
    Jack Meek, a Goshen seventh-grader and avid library user, signs the beam before it was lifted to complete the steel framework for the new library. “It’s cool to have the names up there for as long as the building is standing,” said Jack. He’s hoping the library will have lots of history books, especially those on World War I and World War II (Photo by Geri Corey)
    Matthew Gomm, library director, is pleased to sign the beam that will remain with the building as long as it exists. The beam was lifted to the top to complete the new building’s steel framework (Photo by Geri Corey)
    Matthew Gomm, library director, is pleased to sign the beam that will remain with the building as long as it exists. The beam was lifted to the top to complete the new building’s steel framework (Photo by Geri Corey)

By Geri Corey
GOSHEN — Friday, June 29, was a special day in the progress of the under-construction Goshen Public Library and Historical Society.
Community members joined library employees and trustees at the Main Street site to witness and participate in a “topping off” ceremony. Onlookers watched in awe as the final steel beam was hoisted into place, completing the framework of the new structure.
Members of the public had a chance to sign the beam, painted white, before it took its place atop the building as it makes its way to its long-anticipated completion.
“This is a momentous occasion for the community,” said Matthew Gromm, director of the Goshen Library and Historical Society. “I’m excited with the progress.”
Bill Troy, chair of the Goshen Library Foundation's Fundraising Committee, said the day "took a while in coming."
"It’s a wonderful day," Troy said. "I’m looking forward to March or so for the grand opening of the new building.”
Troy estimated that between 125 and 150 people came out in a little over two hours to write their names on the beam — names that will remain with the building for as long as it exists.
“This event makes the coming of the new library real,” said Ellen-Mary O’Brien, Goshen Library and Historical Society Board President. “It’s so exciting.”
Bernie Marone, auditor of the bills for the library, noted the great community turnout.
“Today sets the stage for the grand opening next spring," he said. "We thank everyone for coming out."
Gromm also expressed his appreciation for all the support.
“I’m lucky and proud to be part of the great team to help make his long overdue library a reality," he said.
Trustee Norma Langlois summed it up well: “It’s a great day for the entire community!”
The new library, situated on a five-acre parcel at 366 Main Street, is located at Salesian Park. The proposed two-story 21,000-square-foot structure will house reading materials, technical equipment, and historical artifacts.
A public referendum in 2015 approved the $9.3 million construction of the new Goshen Public Library and Historical Society. Construction is expected to be completed by 2020.
New York State Assemblyman James Skoufis sent a Certificate of Merit honoring the Goshen Library in recognition of its “Topping Off Ceremony.”