Library encourages Millerton to talk

MILLERTON — Curious to learn more about their hopes, concerns and thoughts for their community and its future, the NorthEast-Millerton Library scheduled several community conversations for the next few weeks to encourage local residents to share what they’re thinking. The first of the series was held on Tuesday, May 18.

The conversations are open to all, even those who don’t live in the village of Millerton. 

Whether participants work in Millerton, use the library, do their shopping in the village or have other ties there, NorthEast-Millerton Library Director Rhiannon Leo-Jameson said, “We want to hear from you because you are a part of the community.”

Following the conversations, Leo-Jameson said the library will be condensing everything it learns and present its findings to the community when done.

“It’s about making our community and our home better,” she said.

The first conversation was held via Zoom at 10 a.m. on the 18th, and after introductions, Leo-Jameson posed a handful of questions to spark the conversation. For the first “and probably the most open-ended” question, she asked what kind of community people wanted to live in, what was important to them and how the kind of community they wanted to live in is different from their existing community.

Participants took turns describing what they appreciate about living in Millerton and what they think is lacking. Existing shops and eateries were highlighted as a favorite feature as was the charm of The Moviehouse. 

There was talk about needing to create a more welcoming and accepting community; practical ways to attract and keep younger people in the community, such as childcare and affordable housing; bridging the link between local and immigrant residents; and finding opportunities to engage people and rebuild connections while adhering to COVID-19 regulations.

One question that drew a lengthy response had to do with primary needs. Responses included: offering a vibrant downtown for everyone; balancing the historic nature of the community with modern needs; and making sure the town and village remain vibrant by retaining young families with children who get actively involved with the community.

Participants suggested holding small-town festivals and other activities, like a community day, to bring people together. The former Millerton Community Day celebration and the village-wide Spring for Sound festival were cited as past examples of successful celebrations for all ages. Participants agreed that “communication and information is power” in getting the word out to people. 

As a downside, some brought up the challenges in getting volunteers to help organize such events or even to attend them. A few participants even raised the “F**k Biden” flag that’s been hanging off a private residence on Route 22 and how it affected their view of the village.

Next, Leo-Jameson asked what kind of things could be done to improve the community. Bringing the offensive flag back into the conversation, one participant suggested one way of confronting “the unfortunate flag” is to “overwhelm the environment with activities that confront it in some way.” 

Leo-Jameson asked if there were any groups or individuals the community would trust to take on such issues, whether the community is at its limit in terms of organizations or whether there needs to be a new organization established. Participants considered the benefits of more coordination among existing community groups and of having the groups work together rather than separately.

Another community conversation was held, this time outdoors and in-person at the library annex at 28 Century Blvd.; another outdoor conversation was held at the annex on Saturday, May 22, at 1 p.m.

Coming up, the library will host community conversations over Zoom at 7 p.m. on Thursday, June 3, and at 11 a.m. and on Monday, June 14. 

There will be an outdoor in-person conversation on Friday, June 11, at 3:30 p.m. Additionally, Leo-Jameson said if anyone wants to participate but can’t make the dates scheduled, the library would be happy to hold a one-one-one conversation.

To RSVP, go to www.nemillertonlibrary.org. To schedule a one-on-one session, call 518-789-3340 or email info@nemillertonlibrary.org.