The well known adage “There is strength in numbers” can be clearly seen through the web of facilities throughout the Mid-Hudson Regional Library System including six libraries providing the sort of resources that grow strong communities and solid, well developed citizens who, in turn, support their towns in many ways.
NorthEast-Millerton Library Director Rhiannon Leo-Jameson says that while each library has unique qualities which makes it special, they are also banded together as members of the system which provides a number of shared services and information. Libraries can learn about everything from regulations to up coming state budget plans and the latest trends in publishing.
By sharing ideas, each library has an opportunity to grow and continue to be responsive to the current desires and needs of patrons.
Leo-Jameson explains that at a time when budgets can be tight, not every library can provide the latest best sellers nor an expansive selection of specialty publications or DVD’s. However, thanks to a robust interlibrary loan system which had recently been upgraded, patrons can search an online catalog and request material from libraries other than their own with items delivered within a day or two and streamed material available immediately.
A huge reading tree became the center of the children’s room at the RoeJan Library in Hillsdale in late August. Assembled by library patron and carpenter Jim Germain, the popular feature contains a bench where parents can sit and read to their children as well as shelves to display books to tempt young imaginations. Kate Shannon
She says that as the very expensive ebooks have been increasing in popularity, shared resources are particularly helpful. Individual libraries purchase copies of material with the items being available on a first come first served basis to that library’s patrons, but others are welcome to join a waiting list that is computer monitored to keep access fair.
While most patrons find a home at their local libraries, library cards are connected through the Mid-Hudson System and so are valid throughout the region and card holders welcome at all the networked locations. With a few exceptions, patrons have access to traditional material as well as various other items through the increasingly extensive “Library of Things” which the libraries have developed.
All boast a wide range of regularly scheduled programs for patrons of all ages which are listed on their web pages, as well as special programs which are presented though out the year.
Locations and websites include: Amenia Free Library, 309 Route 343, Amenia, amenialibrary.org; Millbrook Library, 3 Friendly Lane, Millbrook, millbrooklibrary.org; NorthEast-Millerton Library, 75 Main St., Millerton, nemillertonlibrary.org; Pine Plains Free Library, 7775 S. Main St, Pine Plains, pineplainslibrary.org; Roeliff Jansen Community Library, 9091 NY-22, Hillsdale, roejanlibrary.org; and Stanford Free Library, 6035 Route 82, Stanfordville, stanfordlibrary.org.
Young patrons spent a recent Saturday at the North-East Millerton Library preparing for their future world by learning to create robots. Above, Devon Johnson was delighted with her art robot.Naomi Schmid
“It’s an invitation for people who may never have thought that they might be included in an art exhibit,” said Lefferts about the show that includes 34 works created by a dozen artists. Lefferts added that visitors will see a range of abilities and individual expression.
“I like to draw out innate expression,” Lefferts said. Lefferts said there were 34 pieces as he had hung them all the day before.
Several works on display were inspired by local subjects. For example, Kathleen Kulig’s “Grand Dame of the Orchard” depicts an actual old apple tree found at a friend’s home.
“I’ve actually picked apples from that tree,” Kulig said.
Kathleen Kulig with her “Grand Dame of the Orchard” painting.Leila Hawken
Artist Cathleen Halloran’s acrylic on paper painting titled “Eleven Eleven” is a loving remembrance of her dog, Maddie, whose death was imminent as Halloran created the painting, an expression of her subject’s magnificent spirit.
Variety is evident in artists’ ages, mediums, experience and subject matter.
“It’s always a pleasure to see how the artists grow every year, a fascinating variety,” said Historical Society President Chris Robinson as he dished out the wine and other beverages in the reception area.
A portion of the proceeds will benefit the historical society, although not all works are for sale. The exhibit will be open until Friday, May 9, during historical society hours. For additional information, go to www.sharonhist.org.
Coinciding with the gallery show, the Sharon Historical Society’s current exhibit is worth a visit. Titled “Family Collections,” the exhibit shows collective Sharon memories found in the artifacts left by ancestors, remembered now in part by what they left behind. Each is a clue to the town’s historic past, spanning two centuries.
