More than just books at the NorthEast-Millerton Library

MILLERTON — The traditional image of a library is that of a somewhat musty room filled with shelf after shelf of often un-read tomes all kept in careful order by a steely faced woman with a steely toned bun with a strict shushing finger held against equally steely lips. 

But things have changed in the libraries of today, and nowhere is that change more evident than in the warm and welcoming Main Street building that is the NorthEast-Millerton Library. 

There, a friendly staff greets everyone with smiles, making it clear that they are never too busy to help a patron whether young or old with any need great or small. Well-trained equally cheerful volunteers add to the friendly neighborhood atmosphere while helping to keep costs under control. 

Children brought in by their parents get their very own library cards find their own special space with child-sized tables created by local good-guy John Roccanova. There, they learn that they may be heard — within reason — as well as seen as they enjoy stories read aloud, arts and crafts, holiday celebrations and even have visits from critters such as the llama who will be there on Saturday, Jan. 19, at 1 p.m. Take-home theme bags keep children occupied for hours as they learn how to explore topics in depth with all manner of the projects and books the bags contain. 

At the other end of the library, patrons preferring peace and quiet find plenty of work space at a large table as well as comfortable chairs in either the open area or in a quiet nook. There they may read at their leisure or hop onto the library’s free WiFi. 

Public computers are conveniently located directly opposite the main desk where help is there for the asking. One-on-one instruction is available for most things electronic.  

There are books of all sorts from reference to fiction, magazines, newspapers; videos of TV shows, movies and music of all genres for all ages. There are also recorded books, which have recently been supplemented by a special recorder and accompanying tapes from Books for the Blind.  

Equipment, including printing, photo copying and fax service is available for a small fee. That is the only charge made — except, of course, for those pesky overdue fines that can so easily be avoided by on-time returns either in person or through the return box adjacent to the automatic front door.  

Recently, an “almost new” Microfilm machine that allows for direct printing has been added. That is certain to be a boon to patrons anxious to check past events as well as to members of the historical society, which is in the process of moving from a small to an expanded area in the library. 

While it would seem that the physical confines of the library would provide everything a modern patron could ever need, there is even more at www.nemillertonlibrary.org. 

At that site, among other things, a calendar at the left section of the site provides a listing of the many library activities including reading groups, chess, Mahjong, writing, cooking, quilting and sewing. 

Below that, a click on “Download Audiobooks and eBooks” opens thousands of possibilities as it links to dozens of collections including those “just for kids,” audiobooks, eBooks and videos — each with numerous subsections to help with the site search engine. 

Material may be downloaded to any electric device and is automatically returned — thereby avoiding those aforementioned pesky overdue fines. Only a free library card is needed and instruction is available at the library.  

On the site’s right, there is catalog search that allows patrons to check for books at the library as well as to request material to be delivered from any Mid-Hudson Library, a process that is remarkably quick with requested items usually arriving within a day or two, depending on availability. 

The website also links to hundreds of magazines, “job and career” help, foreign language instruction, historic and genealogy material and more including the latest library newsletter, Instagram and Facebook pages. 

It also features descriptions of upcoming activities such as lectures on Estate Planning, on Thursday, Jan. 17, and Civil Disobedience on Wednesday, Jan. 23, in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., both at 6:30 p.m. in the Annex at 28 Century Blvd. 

In October, a Memorial Reading Garden was dedicated that will feature author readings, small gatherings — especially for children — and a pleasant place to pass an hour or two, book in hand. 

Finally, the Library Annex has additional space for multiple events, lectures, readings and concerts throughout the year as well as acting as the current home of the County Senior Friendship Center where lunch is served Monday through Thursday at 11:30 a.m. with donations appreciated but not required. 

In all, a combination of private contributions, grants and the support of North East taxpayers have all helped the library to evolve from its earliest days in 1867 with 326 books to the modern, community resource housing 27,000 items that it is today.