Program

NYS Historic

Subject

Building, Education

Location

73 Classic St, Hoosick Falls, NY 12090, USA

Lat/Long

42.901558312537, -73.349229656497

Grant Recipient

Hoosick Township Historical Society

The Hoosick Falls Free Public Library was first chartered in 1907 following a petition to the New York State (NYS) Education Department by local businessman, Charles Cheney. The library initially operated out of a municipal building on Main Street. Charles Cheney was a prominent Hoosick Falls citizen, having worked as chief accountant and auditor for a farm equipment manufacturing company for 30 years. He also reportedly served as a paymaster for the army during the Civil War and was said to be a friend of J.P. Morgan. He was also President of the People’s National bank in Hoosick Falls for many years.

Upon his death due to an automobile accident in 1912, Cheney’s will included a $50,000 bequest to the library, along with his personal book collection and cabinets. He stipulated that half of the funds be used to acquire a site and construct a building, while the remaining half was to be invested as an endowment. He also requested the institution be renamed “The Cheney Free Public Library and Historical Rooms.”

Execution of the will was delayed by a legal dispute between the Library Trustees and the Surrogate Court regarding taxes. The library Trustees argued that the tax should be paid by the residuary estate so the library could receive the full $50,000. However, the judge ruled the tax must be deducted from the legacy itself. Despite an appeal to higher courts, the ruling stood, and the library received a reduced sum.

In 1914, the Trustees secured the remaining funds but determined they were insufficient for construction. They opted to invest the capital to allow it to grow. By 1922, the Trustees had purchased a site and laid the cornerstone. The building was completed and opened to the public in November 1923 under its new name.

In January 1924, the NYS Board of Regents formally certified the institution as a registered Public Library. Later, in 1999, the Board issued an Absolute Charter, incorporating it as a free association library. The library continues to operate as of 2026.