Operation Shelf Esteem

📚 Operation Shelf Esteem: A Cohocton Library Makeover

We love our little library. It’s cozy, creative, and full of character—sometimes too much character. Like our shelving, which is officially out of room and unofficially a game of “how many books can we stack before gravity wins.” As our collection grows, so does the need for shelving that’s not only sturdy, but accessible to all patrons.

And then there’s the community room floor. It’s not dangerous, just… tired. The current flooring is separating in places and doesn’t match the rest of the library, giving off strong “before photo” energy. We’re dreaming of fresh carpet that ties the whole space together—visually, functionally, and fabulously.

The community room is where the magic happens: art classes, book clubs, STEAM programs, movie nights, playgroups, and impromptu dance parties (okay, maybe just one). It’s the heart of our programming, and it deserves to look the part. 

That’s why we’re launching a fundraising campaign to give our space the glow-up it deserves. Our goals? Brand-new shelving for our ever-growing collection, and fresh carpet in the community room to match the rest of the library—no more floor envy, no more awkward transitions, just one unified, welcoming space.

As a small rural library, we stretch every dollar like a well-loved paperback. But some upgrades—like shelving that doesn’t welcome everyone and flooring that doesn’t look like it’s seen a few too many plot twists—require a little extra help. That’s where you come in.

Your donation helps us:

• 🧩 Replace mismatched, aging flooring with cozy carpet that ties the whole library together

• 📀 Add new, accessible shelving to support our growing media collection and make browsing easier for everyone

• 🎨 Create a more inviting space for programs, patrons, and spontaneous creativity

• 💛 Keep our library feeling like home—warm, welcoming, and wonderfully weird (in the best way)

We’re not asking for marble floors or gold-plated shelves (though if you’re offering…). We just want a space that reflects the care, joy, and community spirit that fills it every day. Whether you give $5 or $500, you’re helping us build a better library—one shelf, one square of carpet, one smile at a time.

So, join us in Operation Shelf Esteem. Let’s make our library look as good as it feels.