In the late 1930's and early 40's there were few cars and gas was rationed during the war. Branch libraries were established in Apulia Station at Monroe's Store, in Vesper at French's and Eibert's and in Tully Valley at Galusha's

The library was bursting and books were stored in various houses and barns in the village. But, the library was always in financial distress. The library always had volunteers, patrons and friends. What it was in desperate need of was funding. The minutes of every meeting, and in some years there were many special meetings, reflect the dire financial situation.

In 1958 the bank needed its basement. Finding a new location for the library , one that was accessible and near the center of the village, was not easy. The library moved a few doors up Warren Street to what was known as Hart’s Garage. But, within two years the building had been sold and the library was on the move again. This was not altogether

It was mentioned that Katherine Wheeler and her husband had been instrumental in starting the Tully Library. Mrs. Wheeler passed away in 1936. Dr. Wheeler was a trustee until his death in 1940. In his will he bequeathed his home on Elm Street to the library with the stipulation that the money from its sale be added to until such time as the library could

The Library board purchased an old home in the village in the early 1950’s. The trustees were landlords, with three apartments, two in the house that is now the library, and one in a rear building. The main building was in poor condition,

With no place to move to, the library took over a small portion of the house it owned, curtailed services and did the best it could to provide the community with library services. At about this time, 1961, the Onondaga Library System was being organized. Tully trustees did not take warmly to the idea of joining. But, they came to the realization that in order to approach good library service

Story hours for children began. A committee chose books, primarily from the New York Times Book section. Books were also rented from a company on Clinton Street in Syracuse. Library hours were extended to 3 days a week;

The County system was of immediate help to Tully. Consultants suggested the rearrangement of rooms and books, and helped weed the collection. The building was evaluated as worth preserving and remodeling as a permanent home.

The Trustees were encouraged by the County's assistance. A fund drive was

A report to the Community is issued each year in late January . This report is sent to state, county and local legislators, town and village officials, Tully Central School Board members, and is available to anyone in the community at the library. What is included in the report is an overview of the library's services during the past year.

The library was closed for some months as renovation took place. System consultants gave encouragement and made

As of 1963 the library hired a librarian for 12 hours a week, thus ensuring the coordination of the best possible service for the community.
The Tully Free Library was permanently chartered by the State of New York in 1967. We are chartered to serve the area covering the Tully Central School district. We serve a population of 5,400 spread over an area of 82 square miles.