September is National Library Card Sign-Up Month! Richmond Memorial Library is celebrating in two different ways:

1. Replacement cards will be offered for FREE during the month of September. Have a missing or damaged card? Now is the time to replace it! The library is waiving the usual $1 replacement fee for the month.
2. Anyone signing up for a brand-new library card account will be entered for a chance to win a prize! The Friends of the Library are sponsoring a prize tote, which will include library swag, a gift certificate to the Friends of the Library Book Sale, and $25 gift card to Batavia’s Original.

Your library card unlocks many benefits, including access to materials in the library and online! The Richmond Memorial Library proudly offer access to Libby and Hoopla for eBooks, Audiobooks, Movies, TV Shows and more. Access genealogy resources, Consumer Reports, legal resources and more through RML’s online databases. Need a dinosaur shaped cake pan or a board game? The library has you covered there as well. 

Resident library cards may be issued free-of-charge to residents of Genesee, Orleans and Niagara counties, and to those who work, own property or attend school within the borders of the Batavia City School District.

Photo ID with name and current street address must be presented to apply for a card, or to replace a lost card. When primary residence within Genesee, Orleans, or Niagara counties is not established, additional proof of working, attending school, or owning property within the borders of the Batavia City School District is required.

Children may be issued resident cards and their replacements when they can sign their own name, and after having established identity and residency in the manner described above, or in the presence and under the supervision of a parent or legal guardian who has.

The library is located at 19 Ross Street in the City of Batavia and is open Monday – Thursday from 9 a.m. - 9 p.m. and on Fridays and Saturdays from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. For more about the library, library programs and more, visit batavialibrary.org or stop in!

Press Release:

The Books Sandwiched In committee is pleased to announce the Fall 2024 Series of Books Sandwiched In! Sessions will take place on Wednesdays in September from 12:10 p.m. - 1 p.m. in the Gallery Room.

Books Sandwiched In is a book review program, in which guest speakers are invited to present reviews of books, usually non-fiction titles. This fall’s theme encourages attendees to explore “America’s National Parks,” in keeping with the theme of the 2024 Richmond Reads title, The Last Ranger by Peter Heller.

“Attendees are not required or expected to read the books in advance,” shares program coordinator Samantha Stryker. “Rather, think of it as a way to learn a little something and figure out which books you may want to read.”

Each session will feature cookies, coffee, tea, and a chance to win a gift certificate to a local lunch spot. On your lunch break? Feel free to bring your lunch! 

Fall 2024 Books & Speakers:

Wednesday, September 4 at 12:10 p.m. - Explore the Everglades: Genesee County Park Conservation Education Program Coordinator, Claudia Nusstein, reviews "Gator Country: Deception, Danger and Alligators in the Everglades" by Rebecca Renner

Wednesday, September 11 at 12:10 p.m. - Explore Yellowstone: Retired Teacher & NIOGA Board Trustee, Jeff Laub, reviews "Saving Yellowstone: Exploration and Preservation in Reconstruction America" by Megan Kate Nelson

Wednesday, September 18 at 12:10 p.m. - Explore the Grand Canyon: Retired School Counselor and avid outdoorsperson, Janice Spiotta, reviews A Walk in the Park: The True Story of a Spectacular Misadventure in the Grand Canyon by Kevin Fedarko

Wednesday, September 25 at 12:10 p.m. - Explore Yosemite: BCSD Superintendent of Schools Jason Smith reviews Guardians of the Valley: John Muir and the Friendship that Saved Yosemite" by Dean King 

Books Sandwiched In is sponsored by the Friends of Richmond Memorial Library. All are welcome and this program is free to attend!

Richmond Memorial Library is located at 19 Ross St in the City of Batavia. For more information about the library and other programs, visit batavialibrary.org.

Norm Argulsky to be honored as RML Friend of the Year The Friends of the Richmond Memorial Library have named Norm Argulsky as the 2024 Friend of the Year.

Among many other volunteer roles in the community, Norm has served on the Richmond Memorial Library Board of Trustees for 12 years in the capacity of Trustee, Vice President and President, finishing his tenure in June of 2024.

Norm was nominated for this honor by library staff and Friends of the Library President Kathy Zipkin.

“Norm’s dedication to his community and outstanding leadership are unparalleled, and the library is so grateful for his years of service,” shares Assistant Library Director Samantha Stryker. “We’re so excited to honor him at the reception on August 3.”

Norm will be honored at a reception at the library on Saturday, August 3 at 11 a.m. All are welcome to join the Friends in honoring Norm. Light refreshments will be served.

The Richmond Memorial Library is located at 19 Ross Street, Batavia. Information about library services and programs may be found at batavialibrary.org.

Richmond Memorial Library will close at 1 pm on Monday, July 7 due to problems with the air conditioning system. 

Please check our website at batavialibrary.org for up to date information. 

Press Release:

The Richmond Memorial Library and the Richmond Reads Committee are proud to announce The Last Ranger by Peter Heller as the 2024 Richmond Reads selection. The selection was announced in a special event at the library on Monday, June 24 at 7 p.m.

Richmond Reads is a community one-book program designed specifically for the Richmond Memorial Library community. The goal of the program is for the community to join together in reading the chosen title, and then to participate in subsequent discussions and programs. Each year, the Richmond Reads committee reads countless books, searching for the perfect community read.

The Last Ranger was published in July 2023 by Alfred A. Knopf. When a conflict between a local poacher and a wildlife biologist turns violent, Yellowstone Park Ranger Ren Hopper must determine what really happened while battling his own personal demons in this literary thriller by bestselling author Heller.

“We always look for something unique, something that will really engage many different types of readers,” shared Community and Adult Services Librarian Samantha Stryker. “This novel is many genres rolled into one- mystery, thriller, environmental, literary. The beautiful nature writing absolutely resonated with our committee and we hope our readers will find it equally impactful.”

Peter Heller is the best-selling author of The Last Ranger, The Guide, The River, Celine, The Painter, and The Dog Stars, which has been published in twenty-two languages. He is a longtime contributor to NPR, and a former contributing editor at Outside Magazine, Men’s Journal, and National Geographic Adventure. Peter is also the author of four books of literary nonfiction. 

Heller was born and raised in New York. He attended high school in Vermont and Dartmouth College in New Hampshire where he became an outdoorsman and whitewater kayaker. He holds an MFA from the Iowa Writers' Workshop in poetry and fiction and lives in Denver, Colorado.  His latest novel, Burn, will be released in August 2024.

Peter Heller will visit the Richmond Memorial Library on Thursday, October 24 for an author visit and book signing. There will be book discussions and other programs as the date gets closer. In the meantime, readers are encouraged to borrow or purchase the book!

Copies are available to borrow at the library in regular print, large print, and as an audiobook or eBook on Libby. Copies are also available to purchase for $20 for hardcover and $15 for paperback. Copies of select other titles by Heller are also available to purchase at the library for $15 each. Visit the library or batavialibrary.org/richmond-reads for all information!

The phones at Richmond Memorial Library are currently down. The issue is being worked on, and we apologize for any inconvenience. We are open our normal hours of 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday-Thursday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Access your account and more at batavialibrary.org!  

Summer Reading for all ages kicks off on Monday, June 24 at Richmond Memorial Library! This year’s theme is “Adventure Begins at the Library.” 

Children

Celebrate Smokey the Bear’s 80th birthday with this year’s kids’ summer reading program! Kids up to age 12 will receive a chain and reading log with sign-up. Read or be read to and earn beads, brag tags, and more!

Starting June 24, weekly 10 a.m. programs for kids include Family Yoga with Nana Yoga (begins July 1 on Mondays), All Ages Story Time (Tuesdays), Play Café (Wednesdays), Nature Story and Craft (Ages 5-10 on Thursdays) and Little Scientists (Ages 7-11 on Fridays). Some programs require registration, please call the library or visit our website for more info!

Family Fun Fridays: Join us every Friday at 2 p.m. for a fun adventure for the whole family! No registration is required.

• June 28: Paris and Popsicles – Sign up for summer reading, have a popsicle, and meet the NYS Trooper dog!
• July 5: Seneca Park Zoomobile
• July 12: African Drumming with Mayukwa
• July 19: Wondermakers Interactive Storytelling
• July 26: Nickle City Reptiles
• August 2: Benjamin Berry 
• August 9: To be announced
• August 16: Buffalo Museum

Teens & Tweens

Teens ages 13 -17 are invited to play Summer Reading BINGO! Complete reading and library challenges for a chance to win weekly and grand prizes. Weekly prizes include gift cards generously donated by Dave’s Ice Cream, Sprinkles Creamery, Mancuso’s Bowling Center, The Coffee Press, Cinquino’s, and The Vintage Cow. Thank you to our generous local sponsors! Grand prizes include a bookish basket, a gift card to Lift Bridge Books, and more. Anyone can play but you must have a valid library card in the NIOGA system to be eligible for prizes. Register at the library or batavialibrary.org starting June 24.

Weekly teen/tween programs: 

• Silent Reading Club: Tuesdays at 2 p.m. – all ages welcome! 
• STEAM Adventures with Challenge Island: Wednesdays at 2 p.m. – ages 8 and up 
• Adventures with Food Series- Thursdays at 3 p.m.
• Board Games – Fridays at 2 p.m.

Some programs require registration, please visit our website for all the info. 

Adults

Play Adult Summer Reading BINGO starting June 24! 

Open to adults ages 18 and up. Complete reading and library challenges for a chance to win weekly and grand prizes! Weekly prizes include an Oliver’s Basket, gift cards to The Coffee Press, Dave’s Ice Cream, Sprinkle’s Creamery, Batavia’s Original, and Harrington’s (this prize donated by the Friends of RML). Thank you to our local sponsors! Grand Prizes include a bookish basket, a gift card to Lift Bridge Books, and more. Anyone can play but you must have a valid library card in the NIOGA system to be eligible for prizes. Register at batavialibrary.org or at the library starting June 24. Check our calendar for events throughout the summer!

Library Adventure Map program with NIOGA: 

Library patrons are invited to participate in Nioga Library System’s “Library Adventure Map” program this summer, beginning June 24! This program is open to all patrons and community members within Niagara, Genesee and Orleans Counties. A library card is not required to participate in the program! To participate, patrons will pick up a Library Adventure Map and first sticker at their local Nioga library. Patrons may visit any of the public libraries listed on the map and show their map to a staff member to receive a unique library-specific sticker. Think of the stickers as badges! Learn more at the library!

Summer Reading is sponsored by the Friends of the Richmond Memorial Library.

Press Release:

Kathy Zipkin, the president of the Friends of the Richmond Memorial Library, was honored with the Norm Sinclair Award on Thursday, May 23 at the NIOGA Library System’s Annual Meeting at Wurlitzer’s in North Tonawanda.

“Kathy is the current president of the Friends of Richmond Memorial Library and has served on that board for many years,” shares Samantha Stryker, Community and Adult Services Librarian at RML. “She is unwavering in her support of the library and is a dynamic and dedicated leader. She routinely goes out of her way to discover the best ways the Friends can enhance the services and programs the library provides.”

In addition to countless hours spent preparing donations for the monthly book sale, Kathy has served as a Friends representative on hiring committees and regularly organizes lovely events to honor volunteers at the library. She is always willing to step up when volunteers are needed at the library for various programs or projects. She frequently takes the time to attend library programs to show her support.

A college professor told Deborah Wood, when she was working on her senior thesis, something that she has carried throughout her career: "It only takes one person at a time to get the stories told and the will to do so."

As the special collections librarian, helping people tell their stories has been a big part of her job, and that's one reason the Anna Ingalsbe Lovell Chapter of the Daughters of The American Revolution honored her as A Woman in American History on Monday.

Batavia, like many other communities, has lost many buildings that were a reminder of the city's development. The possibly most glaring example is the Richmond Mansion, likely the most magnificent home built in Batavia. 

It was best known as the home of Dean and Mary Richmond, who became one of the wealthiest families in the area. Their stunning home reflected their wealth and influence and was an artifact of their importance long after they were gone.

The central part of the stately house located on East Main Street in Batavia was built in 1838, not by the Richmond Family, but by Colonel William Davis. 

Davis was a dry goods merchant who served the community in many capacities until his death in 1842. Davis was a member of the committee charged with investigating the disappearance of William Morgan, who was famous for revealing the secrets of the Masonic Order. Davis was also a member of the board of the first local banking institution and assisted in defending the Holland Land Office from near attack in 1836 during the “Land Office War.”

Judge Edgar Dibble purchased the home from Davis’ widow in 1846. Dibble was a leader of the Genesee County Agricultural Society and was the first Democrat elected to a county office since the Morgan affair in 1826. Dibble made extensive modifications to the house before it was sold to Dean and his wife, Mary Richmond, in 1854.

Dean Richmond was a railroad magnate, first for the Utica & Buffalo Railroad and then the New York Central. From 1864 to 1866, he was its president. Under the ownership of Dean and Mary, the home was continually renovated and enlarged. These modifications made the Greek revival style house to be the preeminent of the area. 

The portico and columns, which became synonymous with the structure, were added by the Richmond, along with a building-wide balcony. Mary also created a series of beautiful gardens around the home with rare and imported plants and flowers. They were complete with a large greenhouse. A wrought iron fence, which still stands, and sunken Italian gardens fronted the structure.

The interior matched the exterior in terms of its lavishness. The rooms were decorated with rosewood and mahogany, as well as plastered moldings and ceiling medallions. This included the dining room, which was famous for its yellow-damsked wall and yellow velvet carpets. The master bathroom had solid silver fittings with Tiffany marks. The home was so large that entire horse-drawn carriages laden with supplies would be driven right into the basement. This access was also used to deliver the enormous amount of coal needed to fuel the three furnaces. 

After Dean’s death in 1866, Mary continued to live in the home until her death in 1895. It then passed to their daughter, Adelaide, who left it to her niece, Adelaide, and finally to her brother Watts, who eventually sold the mansion.

In 1928, the building was sold to the Children’s Home Association and operated as the county Children’s Home until 1967, providing a home atmosphere for countless local children. 

The Batavia City School District then purchased it for $75,000. The Richmond Mansion was demolished by the school district’s Board of Education after three years of disputes with the local Landmark Society over what should be done with the building. The plot where the mansion once stood is now a parking lot located between the Richmond Memorial Library, also built by Mary Richmond and St. Joseph’s Church.

Some pieces of furniture and other fixtures have survived and are a part of the Holland Land Office Museum’s collection, including an ornate gold hallway mirror, rosewood carved bookcases, and marble fireplace mantle. Besides these pieces, the only remnant left is the stretch of the original rod iron fence that remains in front of the mansion’s original location.