'Seven years have passed since I left you. In that time the village has enlarged as to territory, and many new buildings have been [erected] within its [limits]; and some of them of an imposing character. You have also added to the attractions of the village by establishing a public [i.e., free] library, the anniversary of which we now celebrate. Some years ago the crew of a vessel were suffering from thirst; and they hailed a passing ship and begged that they would send them some water. They sent back the response 'You are in the mouth of the Amazon; throw your bucket overboard and draw it in." So we may say to you to-night: You have the library; but in order to be benefitted you must dive into it. You must master its contents. You might have a library on every corner, and unless you used them they would be of no service to you; and the manner in which you read deserves consideration."

-- From his address at the 1st anniversary celebration of the old free library; from which the public library would arise in 1900. Source: "First Anniversary of the Patchogue Library," Patchogue Advance, Se 20, 1884: 3. Reprinted courtesy of the Long Island Advance.