Local Libraries: More Important than Ever
by Arlene Wege

Since 1959, the Mid-Hudson Library System (commonly known as MHLS) has acted to ensure the public’s right to free access, facilitate resource sharing, and promote professional library services while working in partnership with the independent public and free association libraries. Research has shown that everyone loves libraries, but many people don’t think about them very much. To highlight the vital role they continue to play in our communities, AboutTown begins with this issue a series of portraits of each of these village or town organizations.

Tivoli Free Library
Tivoli Free Library currently makes its home in the former Watts de Peyster Firemen’s Hall. It has been in operation for 114 years, although in its current location only since 1996. The success of the one-room library and library director Bonny Corrado (who won a New York Library Association award for her outstanding service in 2001), is apparent in its role in the community.

The library is the heart of the village, where kids come after school, adults come to read the daily papers or just stop by to chat and catch up on the news of the day. When Corrado and the Board of Trustees approached the Town of Red Hook in 2007 to ask for stable funding (prior to that, the bulk of the funds for the library had to be raised by volunteers each year), the two-to-one vote made it clear that the community appreciated the library. The primary request from the community was for more programming and expanded hours, and the expanded funding finally allowed some permanent assistance.

The library offers a full schedule of activities: Toddler Story Times, a Boating Safety Course, Zen Meditation, Babysitting Certification, adult and young adult book clubs, Wild Wednesday (an exploration of the world around us), a knitting group known as Purl Jam, a teen poetry workshop led by Celia Bland from Bard’s Institute of Writing and Thinking, Scrabble Rabble, as well as a monthly senior program, and occasional special events hosted in conjunction with the Tivoli Bays Visitor Center. By mid-August the library’s summer reading program had already been attended by 900 people. When Tivoli residents express an interest in having a particular program, the staff does its best to make it happen. Ms. Corrado knows the pulse of the community, what programs will work and what won’t.

There’s always something happening at the library. Tivoli Free Library is the little library that could—and does!

86 Broadway, Tivoli 12583 (845-757-3771), tivolilibrary.org. Bonnie Corrado, Director

Red Hook Library
The Red Hook Library was founded in 1898 with a treasure of 350 books in the second floor of a wooden building that was deteroriating even then. But due to the efforts of hardworking village citizens who got it started, it slowly became a true symbol of an enlightened community. Since 1935, the library has made its home in a building designed by Orson Squire Fowler, Fishkill author and phrenologist. Built by Red Hook Tobacco Factory owner, Allen Barringer Hendricks, the house is one of the finest examples of octagonal architecture in the Hudson Valley. The library continued to grow, after being petitioned for service by citizens in Upper Red Hook in 1937. The Red Hook Public Library celebrated its 100th anniversary in June of 2009, and an increased pool of volunteers is making possible the continued use of this community landmark and public resource. To book lovers the library staff states: We are all very much aware of the current fundraising challenges.

The Red Hook Public Library provides much hidden generosity to the local community. Their Early Literacy Station of programs, including math, problem-solving, music, arts, computer skills, science, and research, focused on pre-school, kindergarten, and elementary school children, ages 2–8, is just one example that is expanding throughout the country. Another example is Food for Fines. At various times of the year, patrons can bring in donated food or personal care items to the Library in lieu of late fees for overdue books. There is also a Home Delivery Service in place for homebound patrons.

7444 S. Broadway, Red Hook 12571 (845-758-3241), redhook.lib.ny.us. Mary Anna Egan, Director

Battle of the Books
What better example of the spirit of the Tivoli and Red Hook libraries for the future than the tense finish that the Red Hook Public Library Scarlett Letters managed to earn in a close win over the Tivoli Library Storm team during their first local Battle of the Books in late August. The Mid-Hudson Library System’s Battle of the Books involves teams of teens (grades 6–9) from throughout the mid-Hudson Valley, and has grown threefold since it began in 2005. This was the first year for Tivoli to compete, and in preparation, they invited three other local libraries (Red Hook’s Scarlet Letters, Hyde Park’s Page Turners, and the Staatsburg Library Society) to participate in a practice “battle.” More than 40 students chose to spend some of their summer time to reading a list of 10 books, as well as attending practices and quizzes. “We’re delighted with the win,” said Library Director Mary Anna Egan. “It was exciting. It was anyone’s game up until the end.” Red Hook Library team coach, Sandra Martin said, “It’s a great practice, and it encourages kids to read all summer long.” Next comes the September 12 “big battle” at Roy C. Ketcham High School in Wappingers Falls, when 21 teams will converge to compete for the title of mid-Hudson winner.