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
Demolition crews from BELFOR Property Restoration began demolishing the fire-ravaged Water and Highway Department building in the Village of Millerton on Monday, Oct. 27
One village official is particularly invested in seeing the process move forward. Caroline Farr-Killmer, the village’s fire project manager, has been working closely with Mayor Jenn Najdek and the Board of Trustees to oversee every phase of the recovery. She has coordinated contractors and engineers, tracked inventory losses, and ensured compliance with building codes.
Mayor Jenn Najdek noted in a Monday, Oct. 27, meeting of the village's Board of Trustees that air quality management is one of the aspects of demolition that contributes to the price tag.Photo by Aly Morrissey
“This milestone is a significant one,” Farr-Killmer said. “It has been a work in progress that individuals have poured a lot of their time and effort into.” She acknowledged that while it may have seemed like progress was slow, this process required thoughtful and thorough management. “It is not something that can be accomplished overnight. I am grateful for the team effort put in by all of those involved.”
In the weeks after the fire, Farr-Killmer visited the charred building almost daily and documented damage to the structure and inventory. She said the fire itself was only the beginning, and pointed out that navigating insurance, rebuilding plans and deadlines have been hidden challenges.
The demolition marks the first physical step toward rebuilding. Farr-Killmer and Village leaders are developing plans for two replacement facilities — one for the Highway Department and another for the Water Department, designed to meet modern building codes and accommodate future needs.
“For the Village, it means we are starting from scratch, but things will continue to run smoothly, efficiently and effectively,” Farr-Killmer said.
With demolition underway, the Village of Millerton will begin a new chapter — one that will be complemented by the upcoming renovations that are planned at Eddie Collins Memorial Park. Construction for that major project, which will include a short-course Olympic pool and pool house, is scheduled to begin in July 2026 after the 175th celebration.
