George Phillips
Phillips Free Library is the gift of George W. Phillips (1832-1902), a civic-minded Homer resident. Through his generosity, the foundation was laid in 1900 for a classical structure designed by the Syracuse architect Archimedes Russell. Unfortunately, Phillips died before the completion of the building. His daughter, Miss Ellen Phillips, saw to it that her father’s plans were faithfully executed, and the building was dedicated in 1902.
While the exterior has been preserved, in keeping with the other architectural gems within Homer’s Historic District, interior renovations through time have been tasteful while keeping pace with technological change. Above computers can be found portraits by Homer’s famous 19th century artist Francis Bicknell Carpenter. Innovative programs fostering literacy exist, but one still finds what a founding trustee Charles O. Newton found in 1938: “shelves filled with books carefully selected, which are freely used by men and women, boys and girls of village and town and others outside of the town limits - an institution highly prized to all citizens.”
In 1939, the annex to the library was made possible through the largesse of Homer businessman William G. Crandall. It served as a children’s library until 2015 when it moved to the renovated lower level of the library courtesy of a donation from Esther Twentyman.
Situated as it is on Main Street, in the center of the village, and directly across from a spot on the Green that has been continuously occupied by a school since 1819, Phillips’ gift to the Village has been a very busy and welcoming place since its founding over a century ago.
1902 Library Charter
This is the original charter of the Phillips Free Library, signed on July 2nd, 1902, at 10:15 pm. The water damage is unmistakable and due to the piping system throughout the library.