ABSTRACT
This paper chronicles the development of public 11brary
service in Middletown, New York from 1901-1996. In January 1901
Thrall Library opened for business and was in continuous use for
more than ninety-four years. This building was constructed as a
result of the philanthropy of S. Maretta Thrall, a wealthy
Middletown widow. Many changes occurred in public library
service throughout these years including the library's
administration, collection size, budget, staff, and services
offered to the public. In February 1995 the "new" Middletown
Thrall Library opened for business with a new director and a new
era in library history in Middletown began.