Mid-Hudson Library System

Think Summer Reading is just for kids? Think again. The fossils are older, but the stories are just as fresh!

Adults and Teens are invited to Unearth a Story(TM) at your local library this summer.
Discover a new genre, tackle that "TBR" pile, and compete for prizes!

Find your library at https://midhudson.org/libraries/

Thank you to Hudson Valley One for the reporting on library usage in Columbia County!

"If anyone thinks that libraries are just for a few of us, the numbers tell a story of tremendous use."

Read more here: https://www.thecolumbiapaper.com/sections/lifestyle-3/articles/our-libraries-they-support-us-how-do-we-support-them?

Our libraries: They support us, how do we support them? Columbia County libraries, like Philmont’s at 101 Main St, serve 4,000 locals with meals, computers & more. Didi Barrett secured $1.5M funding – details.

Central Hudson recently presented the Mid-Hudson Library System (MHLS) with their “Excellence in Community Engagement” recognition award at the Energy Efficiency & Electrification Summit, an annual event connecting Central Hudson experts and community partners.

In 2025, MHLS played a vital role in extending the reach of Central Hudson’s weatherization efforts – collaborating with Central Hudson to launch the first in the nation DIY Home Energy Assessment Program via the non-traditional lending library – also known as the “Library of Things.” The organizations partnered to provide libraries with “HomeBoost Kits,” thermal imaging cameras that help patrons conduct their own energy assessment at home and obtain a free home energy assessment report.

“Their steadfast support and deep-rooted commitment to promoting sustainability and providing the community with resources to live a more sustainable life ensured that the program was launched and has grown sevenfold since then,” said Cory Scofield, Manager of Demand Side Management for Central Hudson, “The Mid-Hudson Library System exemplifies what it means to empower and uplift the Hudson Valley through meaningful, community-centered engagement.”

“We are grateful to the staff of Central Hudson for their hard work and true devotion to helping the residents of the Hudson Valley find ways to lower their costs,” said Rebekkah Smith Aldrich, Executive Director of the Mid-Hudson Library System, “When they pitched the idea of libraries helping them create access to this free resource for residents we jumped at the chance to partner with them, it is a win-win-win!”

Learn more at https://www.cenhud.com/en/my-energy/save-energy-money/home-energy-assessment-kit/

Thank you WAMC Northeast Public Radio for highlighting the great work and vision for the future of the Catskill Public Library!

'A place for humans to meet': Catskill library envisions bright future for 125-year-old building Director Christopher Leary has big plans to revitalize the Catskill Public Library.

There was a real-life love story at the Kent Public Library. 😍

There was a hush in the Kent Public Library that felt different from any other day—softer somehow, as if even the shelves leaned in to listen.

Between rows of well-loved novels and stories of every kind of love ever imagined, two patrons chose to begin their own. They didn’t seek a grand hall or sweeping vista; instead, they chose the quiet poetry of books, where love has always lived most faithfully. Here, among worn spines and whispered pages, they said their vows.

It felt as though the library itself had been waiting for such a moment. Romance novels seemed to glow a little brighter on the shelves, poetry collections held their breath, and even the most familiar stories felt newly alive—because love, after all, is the oldest story we keep retelling.

As they stood surrounded by decades of written devotion—epic romances, quiet friendships, tragic loves, and joyful endings—their own story joined the collection, not on a page, but in the very air of the place. Each aisle became a witness, each book a silent guest.

And in that gentle, improbable setting, where knowledge and imagination always meet, love found its perfect home among the stacks.

There's a lot happening at the Marlboro Free Library!

Please read for important construction updates!

The Library is excited to share that our Renovation and Expansion Project is entering its final stage of interior construction later this month!

To allow this work to move forward, we will be transitioning operations to a temporary location within the building. Because construction is progressing smoothly, this phase is starting a bit earlier than expected!

What’s happening next:
During the week of May 18–22, staff will begin packing up our remaining limited collection for storage. Browsing is expected to return in mid-July. Study, meeting, and play space will remain unavailable.

Hours & updates:
Our current modified hours will not be affected until mid-June. Please continue to check our website for any short-term schedule changes that may be needed during construction.

Services available beginning May 26:
• Express computer use (2 public computers)
• Printing, scanning, faxing, and copying
• Passport & notary services (by appointment)
• 1,000 Books Project bags
• New books
• Hold pickup & returns
• Very limited browsing of popular & new materials

Please note: a brief closure is expected in late June for furniture installation and final project work.

We’ll continue sharing updates as dates are confirmed. Thank you for your patience and support as we move into the final phase of this exciting project! We’re almost there!

Today is Hudson Valley Gives day! If you are looking for a reason to give back, today is the day.

Public libraries are not immune to stressors around budgeting and are often asked to do more with less.

Several mid-Hudson libraries are participating - please give where you can!

https://www.hvgives.org/organizations/starr-library

Today is Hudson Valley Gives day! If you are looking for a reason to give back, today is the day.

Public libraries are not immune to stressors around budgeting and are often asked to do more with less.

Several mid-Hudson libraries are participating - please give where you can!

https://www.hvgives.org/organizations/friends-of-kingston-library