Lions Grant Donation to Local Libraries

By Joshua Walther

SCHOHARIE - On Monday evening, the Schoharie Lions Club invited members from the Middleburgh and Schoharie Libraries to the Lutheran Church to present them with a generous donation.

The Lions Club is an international organization that’s dedicated to serving their communities. Through hosting fundraisers and supporting local programs, they seek to better the lives of those around them.

The Schoharie Lions Club in particular has quite a storied past. Established in 1976, the charter sought to faithfully serve the town until 1984, where they merged with Middleburgh’s club. As their influence grew, they later merged with other towns like Gilboa and Conesville, until their latest union with Wright in 2001.

In their nearly fifty year tenure, the Lions Club has given back to the area in a variety of ways, with their largest accomplishment being their flood relief efforts. Now, they’re ready to establish a relationship with both of their libraries in the best way possible.

Their meeting began with both libraries summarizing what they do in their respective towns. They explained that they are small association libraries, meaning that instead of being public, they’re chartered to serve specific school districts.

However, they followed up by saying that they welcome any and all who seek to utilize them, whether that be for a good read, a community heating or cooling station, or a spot to relax.

James Lord, a member of the Lions, was excited about the opportunity to know more, saying “This is an opportunity for great contact with the library and everyone involved with them.”

After the short presentations were over, King Lion Georgia Van Dyke was pleased to present both libraries with a $500 donation. Terry Pavoldi, the Director of the Middleburgh Library, said that she was excited to put the money straight toward their summer reading program.

After the donations were graciously accepted with abundant thanks, the three groups continued to acquaint themselves with one another over the course of a catered dinner to wrap up their meeting.