Adriance Memorial Library

I am proud to call this my local library branch. The entire Mid Hudson Library System is amazing. You can pretty much find almost any book, book on tape or DVD online and have it delivered to your local library branch for FREE.
I read books and watch movies by requesting them here. They even have computers you can use and a pay by page fax machine. They offer amazing programs and classes for the community as well — like talks from featured authors, computer classes and children’s reading hours.
You get 3 weeks for books and a week for most DVDs. You can renew up to 2x online, provided no one else has requested the item.
Their hours change often, so make sure to call or check the website before you go. You can drop off without the library being open — they have book drops outside open ²⁴⁄₇.
They also take book donations too.
Please support your local library!

This is one huge libarary. It’s the central library which houses most of the books in the Mid Hudson LIbrary System. It’s got a beautiful new entrance that’s rich and spectacular as anything in the area.
The library itself houses about 163,000 books (not very accurate). This total does not include DVD, audiobooks, etc.
The library is split up into four levels. The bottom level (level G, Ground Floor) holds some books, and a few DVD’s) as well as a minimum of 28 networked computers for the public to use (with a library card). The next level up, level M, Mezzanine, holds primarily nonfiction books, as well as the brunt of the books. On the next level, level number 2(yes, they all knew about this problem), this houses the small room for children’s room. ON the last level up, this houses the administrative office, as well as the Fiction books.
A little note about the library’s computers: although most branches only allow you to have from 30 minutes upward (with others allowing, when population is small, an increase in time for as long as forseen to be good). This library however, started me today, with more than an hour. However, the next time I used it, it locked me out for the remainder of the day. When I asked the check-​out desk about getting more time, they denied my request (unlike all other member libraries.) They told me that an hour would be long enough for anyone to use (and most people) aren’t ever needed to get more time.
It’s been a long time since I had been there last. My last time (before this trip today) I went into this libary was 1995. It’s changed a lot. Although I visited every level, I was unable to find the several microfiche machines that they had had at one time, owned. However, they’ve made some advantages by buying lots of computers to replace these olden-​days machines.
Oh, on the Mezzanine, are also computers to use, to download audio books (if found on the I’net). I find that one very interesting, being these same people could have found them on their own on their website with their library card at any time, night or day.
I didn’t mind this libary. It looks nice, and still is just as big as it was, but it just wasn’t the same as it was years ago, and it definitely didn’t feel as big as it used to be years ago.
Not only that, but, if you decide to enter through the front door (which is locked on the weekends)(now the back door), the walkway up to this door is not handicapped accessible. It has several large-​width steps that lead up to the door.
Parking is in the NEW front of the building. To get to this parking lot, take Noxon Rd. The other lot, near the library, has some handicapped spots in a lot near an administrative office building next door, but it is not a good spot to park if the doors are locked to the Front Door, as you’ll have to walk around the remainder of the building, which is not time-​savvy.
I can also tell you, that the library uses a Metal Detector system to ensure that every book in their Inventory has been checked out correctly.

The historic Adriance Memorial Library recently re-​opened after a 2 year, $ 15 million renovation. Completed in 1896 the front of the building is all original, beautiful Classical Revival with incredible oak woodwork throughout. The rear of the building is a 4 story modern library facility. Adriance Memorial is on the National Register of Historic Places and is worth a visit!
I like to grab a book and head to one of the reading rooms in the historic section of the building. You’ll get a Citizen Kane sensation settling into a comfy chair surrounded by rich wood paneling and historic books.
Many public Internet and library catalog terminals are available, convenient fine payment kiosks too. Their website provides updates about upcoming events at the library or literary excursions to NY City.
Even if you’re not a «book» person, you will enjoy a visit. Hint: on their website you will find a Google map link; the area surrounding the library is a bit ghetto so it may make you more comfortable with your visit. Free parking is located at the back entrance.