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Union’s Schaffer Library celebrates 50 years
In 1920, Henry Schaffer met a young librarian named Sally Bieber and fell in love. He also, as later events seem to indicate, had a real warm spot in his heart for libraries.
In 1959, Union College was looking for a little funding to help build a much-needed new library and it was Schaffer, whose Empire Markets were the first grocery chain in New York state, who provided a gift of $500,000 to make sure the job got done. Ground was broken on Jan. 7, 1960, the cornerstone was laid on May 14, and during the summer of 1961, 50 years ago, the Schaffer Library opened its doors.</p> Posted on May 19, 2011.
The second floor of the Schaffer Library at Union College in Schenectady is a large, airy space. The facility, funded by philanthropist Henry Schaffer, is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year.
Henry Schaffer in 1950. In 1959, Union College was looking for a little funding to help build a much-needed new library and it was Schaffer, whose Empire Markets were the first grocery chain in New York state, who provided a gift of $500,000 to make sure the job got done. Ground was broken on Jan. 7, 1960, the cornerstone was laid on May 14, and during the summer of 1961, 50 years ago, the Schaffer Library opened its doors.
Union College students Amanda Librot, 20, of Saddleriver, NJ, left, and Alex Napp, 20, of Westchester, read while relaxing on benches in front of Schaffer Library.
A Union College student makes her way to the second floor of the Schaffer Library.
A Union College student studies in the basement of Schaffer Library.
Henry Schaffer in 1972. In 1972, Albany Medical College opened its own Schaffer Library of the Health Sciences, and after his death in 1982 Schaffer’s money helped Albany Law School construct a third Schaffer Library.
Union College student Anna Lentz, 19, of Westwood, MA., works at her computer on the second floor of Schaffer Library.
