History
History of the Coburn Free Library
The Coburn Free Library opened in its current location in 1910 and quickly became a magnet for readers in Owego, New York and beyond. Library founders Andrew Coburn and Frederick Hewitt sought to create an extensive reading collection that was accessible to the public. They also forged a warm relationship with the Owego schools (today, the Owego-Apalachin School District), and that relationship still exists to this day. In addition, the library became an important repository for historical and genealogical documents, a complement to the collection housed at the Tioga County Historical Society.
Today, as other forms of media rival the print materials Coburn and Hewitt loved, the Coburn Free Library keeps up with the times. Public-access computers, Ebook downloads, audiobooks, and wifi stand proudly alongside our print collection. There’s something for everyone at the Coburn Free Library!
Would You Like to be Part of our History?
Here’s your chance! We, as a non-profit, need general fund contributions. Please donate to help this beautiful, village library thrive as a beacon for education in the community for generations to come.
You may make donations:
- In person at our circulation desk
- By mail *send checks to Coburn Free Library 275 Main Street Owego, NY 13827
- Online (a 5.75% transaction fee is deducted from your donation for online processing fees)
Early Notables
In the early twentieth century, many people contributed to the development of the Coburn Free Library. Some of them are profiled below.
Andrew Coburn (b 10/24/1821; d 11/25/1894) left the greater part of his estate (about $16,000) to create a permanent library in Owego, with the proviso that it be called “the Coburn Free Library.”
Frederick C. Hewitt (b 10/25/1839; d 8/30/1908), the wealthiest resident of Tioga County at the time of his death, left $30,000 to the Coburn Free Library. This was used to buy a lot on Main Street and to begin the construction of the library.
Lucius Ford (b 3/23/1844; d 9/24/1911) at the time of his death was completing the handsome structure that presently houses the Coburn Free Library. Ford was a successful contractor and builder.
Etta M. Arnold Clark, in honor of her uncle Ransom Bowen Dean, began a collection of books made possible through his gift to her in his will, starting the genealogy section in the library. (Ransom Dean owned Dean’s Tannery in Owego from 1862-1912.)
Charles Dinsmore Marvin served as Director of the Chamber of Commerce and Village Mayor. Marvin Park, Draper Park, and Ahwaga Park were acquired by the Village while Marvin was Mayor. He left a bequest to the Coburn Free Library.
Anna H. Marvin donated many books during her lifetime, and after her death a generous bequest was made to the library.
Charles C. Ely (d 1928) was a donor to the Endowment Fund for the Coburn Library, leaving $20,000. Volumes of his poetry are still housed in the library today.
George T. Stebbins of New York City bequeathed $3,000 to the library.
The Hiawatha Club, a literary group organized in January 1905, held fundraisers such as fairs and festivals, raising $1,000 for the library.
Women’s Clubs of Owego donated $1,000. This was used for furniture and the piano for the assembly room.
Bishop William A. Leonard, a genealogy enthusiast, left his private collection and diaries to the Coburn Library.
Fred W. Clifford (b 6/27/1867; d 1/31/1931) practiced law in Owego, and upon his death bequeathed a substantial sum as an endowment to the library.
Marian Wickwire gave an endowment in memory of her mother, Cynthia Cornell Goodrich. Mrs. Wickwire’s daughter Cynthia unveiled the memorial tablet at the time it was dedicated.
Louis D. Hyde (b 1871; d 1957), a local ophthalmologist, created a foundation with his wife Fannie that continues to fund the cultural enrichment of the village.