Libraries are Important to Distinguished Yacht Clubs

By Larry Stephenson, M.D.

Back around 2013, when extensive research was being done for the GPYC 100-year anniversary book, this author had the opportunity to visit several prominent yacht clubs and was rather surprised to find that, without exception, they all had libraries.

The library of the New York Yacht Club was particularly extensive; it has functioned as one of the premiere nautical reference libraries in the country since 1901. When the Chair of the Library Committee inquired as to the nature of our GPYC facility, the only possible answer was, “Well, it’s hard to explain.” And it was since the small number of books, past publications, and papers in our collection were housed in a locked backroom closet. On Sunday, May 12, 2022, that all changed when the GPYC Library, located in the porch area of the Tower Pub, was officially opened to the membership. The Heritage Committee, which has been working on the project for the past two years, hosted the event, with committee members on hand to explain to attendees how much work had already been done and what is being planned for future expansion. At this point, the room sports a Clubowned, glass-fronted, lockable bookcase containing several valuable books, along with two custom-built bookcases that were donated by a member. To date, over 100 nautical-related books have been donated as well, and four comfortable chairs are provided for quiet reading. The question was raised as to whether or not this would also be a book-swapping opportunity and the answer is no; with a nod to the New York Yacht Club, this is strictly a reference library focusing solely on nautical themes and related subjects.

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Sue Vogel, the wife of Past Commodore Bill Vogel, has extensive experience in Library Science and graciously volunteered to serve as a librarian. She has already put in numerous hours cataloging and creating a reference system for the present collection. Books on the shelves have all been identified by title, subject, and call number and are readily available for reading only within the confines of the Library and/or Tower Pub. Books in the locked bookcase can be accessed only by signing for the key through the Front Desk. Donations of books are welcome and encouraged. Guidelines for book donations are as follows: Anything nautical Local/Great Lakes area history Non-fiction only No magazines or periodicals Book donations will be subject to approval by Library Sub-committee members Sue Vogel and Dr. Larry Stephenson. Upon approval, books will be cataloged and a bookplate with the donor’s name will be affixed. Books become sole property of the GPYC. Of course, monetary donations will also be gratefully accepted. Gifts will be used to purchase certain books, enhance storage, and improve the ambiance of the library room itself. To donate, please contact any member of the Heritage Committee or Club Manager, Aaron Wagner.

Heritage Committee

Joe Schaden, Chair Past Commodore James Ramsey Past Commodore Kevin Granger Linda Schaden Joe Schmitt Larry Stephenson Past Commodore Bill Vogel Susan Vogel