The Cazenovia Community Resource Center provides access to and assistance in education. We promote literacy, provide literary resources, technological resources, informational services, career planning and reporting to members of the community, facilities for community functions, and forums to address issues of community interest.

The Cazenovia Community Resource Center continues to identify and meet the needs of the community through innovation, creativity and leverage of available resources.

History

Unfortunately, after years of enjoyment by the community, plans emerged in 2005 for the closure of several Erie County–funded libraries throughout Western New York. Among those branches scheduled for shutdown was the historic, high-traffic Cazenovia Branch. Immediately after the plans were released, the South Buffalo community that hosted the library spoke out and demanded a reassessment of the situation. Despite public outcry, the Cazenovia Branch was cut from the library system.

After less than a year of vacancy at the Cazenovia site, the need for a resource facility did not diminish; in fact it was magnified. Addressing the importance of the educational and information resources provided at the local library, South District Council Member Michael P. Kearns partnered with several local entities to revive and revitalize the abandoned site. In spring 2006, the doors to the building were officially reopened with the original vision for the facility in mind.

In 2007, the Margaret L. Wendt Foundation granted the new Cazenovia Community Resource Center $50,000 to develop creative and innovative programming by updating the site’s library and technological equipment. Through the use of this funding, as well as other foundation, business and governmental funding, the Resource Center boasts a fully functional library, a state-of-the-art computer lab, classroom space, and much more. Additionally, a handicap accessible lift was installed opening the space for even more people.

Through the partnership with various community organizations, private foundations and the City of Buffalo, the Cazenovia Community Resource Center and Library has once again established itself as a prominent asset in the community.