The Solvay Public Library is a municipal public library of the Village of Solvay, New York. It is governed by a seven member Board of Trustees. The library is also supported by the Town of Geddes. The Carnegie Foundation and Frederick Hazard helped the community of Solvay fund the building, built in 1905. In 2002, the library began a plan to enlarge the library and parking lot, and to provide handicap accessibility. The library is home to the Solvay Process Collection, an historic collection of photographs, technical documents, and other archival materials donated by Allied Chemical Corporation. Solvay Process Company, formed in 1881, was a major manufacturer in the Solvay community.
Access to the collection is by appointment only, made through the Library Director. We follow standard archival procedures to protect the collection and try to reduce the handling and exposure of these materials. Many are the only existing copy in the world!
The Library Director will interview by phone, email, or in person to better define your enquiry. She will provide feedback as to what may be relevant in the collection, how the research will be done, and make an appointment as needed. Copies, including digital, may be forwarded without you even having to step foot in the Library! Copying and postage costs may need to be reimbursed and a photograph use policy form may need to be signed.
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