Bi-Sesqui-Centennial Events

We are fast approaching the final events celebrating the Library’s Bi-Sesqui-Centennial!

Tuesday, October 22, 2024 at 1:00pm – Commemorative Oak Tree Planting 

A commemorative oak tree will be planted on the Library’s lawn, symbolizing our commitment to providing resources and opportunities that educate, enrich, and inspire as we continue to serve our community. We will have a brief ceremony on our front lawn, followed by light refreshments in the Holden Room. This occasion is open to the public; registration is not required.

Friday, October 25, 2025 at 6:00pm – Night in the Stacks Speakeasy

Step out like it’s 1924! Join us after hours in the Library for a 1920s-themed celebration! Enjoy hors d’oeuvres, drinks, live music, a book-based scavenger hunt, and more. All food, beverages, and activities at this event are free of charge, however registration is required. Additional Details are available on the Library Calendar. Please note: this is an adult-only event. All attendees must be 21 years of age or older; IDs will be checked upon entrance. There is a limit of two adult beverages per attendee.

 


What do we mean by Bi-Sesqui-Centennial?

To list out each of the significant milestones that 2024 marks for the Library would be quite long – bicentennial, sesquicentennial, and centennial – so we’ve taken the liberty of shortening it to just bi-sesqui-centennial. This year’s noteworthy anniversaries are:

  • Bicentennial – Building of the Shepard homestead, the original iteration of our current building, was completed in 1824 by Joshua Shepard.
  • Sesquicentennial – The first library room in Dansville was opened on the second floor of the Maxwell Block on July 18, 1874.
  • Centennial – The Shepard Memorial Library, the older section of our current location, was officially opened on July 18, 1924.