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The Tappan Spaulding Library at 6 Rock Street is a most visible gift to our community. Prior to 1900, there had been a small library, first kept in the Congregational Church chapel, then over to the general store on the corner, then in a second story room on Water Street. LeRoy Tappan who was the last surviving member of both the Tappan and Spaulding families, suffered from ill health and, therefore, only participated in quiet activities. He painted, read a lot, wrote poetry, and collected Indian and Oriental artifacts. Mr. Tappan died in 1905 at age 25 leaving the bulk of his estate (about $20,000.00) to the village for a library, $500.00 for books and any left over was to be used for maintenance.

The library was finished in 1908 for about $8,000.00 and the Oriental influence can be seen with the tile roof and pagoda shape. The Cornell Preservation group calls it an “Arts and Crafts building” with its steeply pitched roof, overhanging eaves, clock tower, brick and tile ornamentation. One of Mr. Tappan’s requests was that display cabinets be built into the main room for his collections. They are still there today. By 1930, the trustees were looking for ways to enlarge the building, but found none. The clock was a gift of Arthur Clinton, son of Royal Clinton. Another $2,000.00 was received from Nancy Burbank, a great aunt of LeRoy Tappan; Otto Matile donated his property on Watson Ave., which was sold, gaining another $2,000.00. At the time, there was a German canon on the front lawn, but it was considered too war-like and so, removed. The bell that is there now originally hung in the High School Bell Tower, but was sent to Fort Drum for the War effort. In 1960, it was finally returned to Newark Valley.