Utica Public Library

The story of the Utica Public Library begins in 1825, when a private subscription library opened in the Broad Street offices of attorney Justus Rathbone. It started with 400 shareholders and 1,000 volumes and was known simply as the Utica Library. As its collection grew, it moved several times over the years.

Today the library serves the wider Mohawk Valley. Residents of Oneida, Herkimer and Madison counties can apply for a library card in person at the Circulation Desk. Cards are issued for adults, defined as ages 14 and up, and for youth from birth through age 13.

What to Know

• The library traces its roots to a private subscription library that opened in 1825.
• That first collection had 400 shareholders and about 1,000 volumes.
• Library cards are open to residents of Oneida, Herkimer and Madison counties.
• Youth cards cover ages 0 to 13, and adult cards start at age 14.