Historic building to be transformed into The Black Library

The historic National Union Bank on Broadway in Monticello will soon be transformed into The Black Library, a community space celebrating and educating on Black history and culture.

“This is a big moment,” said Tal Beery, co-executive director of the Hurleyville Performing Arts Center, a non-profit group that will hold the short-term lease. “By repurposing this historic building, we're not only preserving a piece of Monticello's heritage but also creating a space for the next generation of artists to thrive.”

National Union Bank in Monticello was founded in 1851 and stopped printing money in 1935.

The idea to collect Black literature first began as a book club between Douglas Shindler, a painter and photographer, and Michael Davis, a photographer, both of Monticello. The duo then worked with the Hurleyville Performing Arts Centre to receive a two-year grant totaling $407,800 from Creatives Rebuild New York to create a library and community art space. Shindler said, “The Black Library will be a beacon of knowledge, creativity, and inspiration, bringing greater understanding and appreciation of Black history and culture in Sullivan County and beyond.”

The space is expected to open to the public in two months. In the meantime, the team will need to do some light renovations including interior painting, hanging shelves and updating bathrooms.

Project leaders will also host open monthly meetings where the public can learn more about the library and ways to get involved. The next meeting will be held on March 28, 2023 at 5:30pm at the Ethelbert B. Crawford Public Library, located at 479 Broadway in Monticello.

In addition to open meetings, an art supply drive will take place through May 2023 to collect supplies for local artists that will occupy the library’s in-house studio spaces. And a book drive will run July 1 through September 30 to help build the library’s collection. The library is seeking books on Black history, art, culture, current events, autobiographies and novels by Black authors.

“We're looking forward to collaborating with local residents and artists and creating a dynamic and inclusive space,” Davis added.

For updates and more information on The Black Library, visit theblacklibraryny.com.
Images Courtesy of The Hurleyville Performing Arts Centre