Library cards and lanyards at the Millbrook Library

Library cards and lanyards at the Millbrook Library

Showing off her finished beaded lanyard designed to hold her library card, Riley Pizzuto of Millbrook was pleased to have participated in the craft session at Millbrook Library on Wednesday, Sept. 4. The crafting hour celebrated National Library Card Month.

Photo By Leila Hawken

MILLBROOK — One of a continuing series of crafting sessions at the Millbrook Library, a children’s craft hour on Wednesday, Sept. 4 sought to teach children the art of creating beaded lanyards that could be simply decorative or have an added advantage of holding a library card. The event was in observance of National Library Card Month.

Having wrapped up her first day of school as a fifth-grade student at Alden Place Elementary School in Millbrook, Riley Pizzuto participated in the craft hour at the library, one of her favorite places to visit.

The craft hour was led by Kate Anderson, Children’s Literacy Coordinator at the library since July, 2022. She provided instruction and encouragement, although Riley was adept at selecting just the right beads for what she envisioned.

“I love new things,” Riley said, adding that she has five new paintings at home waiting to be hung and even has a devoted crafting area at home.

Assessing that she had “a great first day at school,” Riley responded to a question about whether she is the smartest student in her class.

“It depends on who’s asking,” she said.

Library Director Courtney Tsahalis spoke of the expanding importance of libraries within their communities in terms of the variety of services provided to visitors.

“A library card is one of the most valuable things a person can have, not just for books these days, but for programs and services,” Tsahalis said. “Some of the most important people in my life were librarians,” she added.

Anderson said that the crafting hours offering useful and easy crafts for all ages are scheduled for every Wednesday after school, beginning at 4 p.m. For a list of sessions, go to www.millbrooklibrary.org.

Latest News

Back to school
Photo by Leila Hawken

AMENIA — The first day of school on Thursday, Sept. 4, at Webutuck Elementary School went smoothly, with teachers enthusiastically greeting the eager young students disembarking from buses. Excitement was measurable, with only a few tears from parents, but school began anyway.


Keep ReadingShow less
Millerton’s Demitasse shutters Main Street storefront, goes digital

Demitasse owner Hayden McIntosh Geer said she is excited by the shift to online sales.

Photo by Hayden McIntosh Geer

MILLERTON — Some might have argued that launching an in-person retail business during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic wasn’t advisable. But against all odds, Demitasse in Millerton managed not only to build a thriving, mission-based brand in a small storefront on Main Street, it developed a loyal customer base and provided a welcoming space for visitors. Last week, Demitasse announced it is closing-up shop and moving fully online.

“We are excited,” said owner Hayden McIntosh Geer, who opened Demitasse with her husband, Richard, in 2020. “Though we will miss our customers and the camaraderie on Main Street, it feels right and there was no second guessing.”

Keep ReadingShow less
New Millerton police cruisers arrive to replace fire-ravaged vehicles

Millerton Police Chief Joseph Olenik shows off the new gear. Brand new police cruisers arrived last week.

Photo by Aly Morrissey

MILLERTON — The Millerton Police Department has received two new patrol cars to replace vehicles destroyed in the February 2025 fire at the Village Water and Highway Department.

The new Ford Interceptors are custom-built for law enforcement. “They’re more rugged than a Ford Explorer,” said Millerton Police Chief Joseph Olenik, noting the all-wheel drive, heavy-duty suspension and larger tires and engine. “They call it the ‘Police Package.’”

Keep ReadingShow less
Fashion Feeds on track to raise $100,000 for Food of Life Food Pantry

Erin Rollins of Millbrook in the Fashion Feed booth, open year round, at the Millbrook Antiques Mall. All proceeds from Fashion Feeds go to the Food of Life Pantry.

Photo by Aly Morrissey

MILLBROOK – In a time when optimism and unity can feel elusive, sometimes a walk down Franklin Avenue is enough to feed the soul. With Millbrook Community Day just around the corner, one highlight will be Fashion Feeds, a community effort led by Millbrook native Erin Rollins, whose mission is to fight local hunger.

The concept is simple. People donate new or gently used designer fashion, which is sold at affordable prices, and all proceeds benefit The Food of Life/Comida de Vida Pantry at St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Amenia.

Keep ReadingShow less