BY CHERYL SHUMWAY
North Country This Week

NORFOLK – Solar panels, computers, elevator, and a soon-to-arrive EV charger would probably surprise the man who gifted the Hepburn Library of Norfolk a century ago.

Alonzo Barton Hepburn would find these changes “unbelievable,” said Library President Timothy Opdyke at the library’s 100th year celebration Saturday.

The Norfolk community celebrated its 100th year of the Hepburn Library of Norfolk in a big way Aug. 14.

Speeches, refreshments, and ribbon cutting were followed by a variety of activities from inflatable slides, reptiles, and balloon art, to a $1 bag book sale.

Six other libraries in the county were also built by Hepburn’s donations: Colton, Madrid, Lisbon, Hermon Waddington and Edwards.

“Hepburn was a rag-to-riches, self-taught man who was born in Colton,” said Town Supervisor Charles Pernice. “When he was young, he had trouble finding books. Hepburn wanted people in the area to have better access to books.”

“Hepburn donated the money to build seven libraries, and he also donated to Ogdensburg’s Claxton-Hepburn Medical Center,” said Pernice.

Opdyke, Pernice, and library director Laurel Murphy gave thanks to current and past library staff, trustees, volunteers, and the Town Board for support.

“The library directors are the heart and soul of the library,” said Opdkye. He recognized two long-time directors: Blanche Creighton who served 49 years from 1921-1970, and Vicky Brothers who worked for 30 years, retiring last year.

Opdyke expressed appreciation to Laurel Murphy, the new director who started during COVID and did a lot of work organizing the 100 year celebration. “We’re thankful for all you’ve done,” he said.

Both Pernice and former library trustee Denny Byrne credited President Opdyke for his work as well. Opdyke has been on the Library Board since 1994 and as President since 2009.

“We have had impressive library volunteers over the 100 years, like Tim Opdyke,” said Pernice.

“Malcolm Starks was instrumental to getting the addition to the library and the lift, and he has made a lot of the furniture in the library,” said Murphy. Starks served as a trustee for 19 years, and is still active as a Friend of the Library at age 96, but was not able to attend.