Community-Governed Access

Hosts community blood drives in collaboration with the American Red Cross and provides space and logistical support for public engagement events, serving as a multi-use community and cultural center.

Conducts regular board meetings, maintains comprehensive operational policies and forms for public access, employs a Library Director, and publishes annual and periodic reports to the community on finances, programs, and services. Developed and implemented a strategic plan for 2022–2025 to guide organizational direction.

Provides free library services to the general public in Claverack, New York, including access to a modern, fully accessible 11,000-square-foot facility with dedicated spaces for children, teens, local history, and community use. The library maintains a collection of books and resources and offers handicapped-accessible facilities, public computers, printing, photocopying, faxing, and 24/7 free public WiFi.

Offers regular in-person and virtual programs tailored for youth, teens, and adult patrons, including educational, cultural, and recreational activities such as line dancing classes, fiber arts gatherings, and presentations on Indigenous cultures using authentic artifacts.

Operates with a 2026 operating budget of $284,470, supported by public funding from the Town of Claverack ($111,000), Columbia County, the State of New York, and the Town of Taghkanic, with $162,964 covered by non-public funding sources. Previously raised $2.8 million through a capital campaign to fund construction of the new library facility, opening debt-free.

Participates in a joint library funding referendum with the Fred & Harriet Taylor Memorial Library to secure public funding through the Hammondsport Central School District.

Provides job search support including resume templates, review, and live interview coaching through Brainfuse JobNow. Offers access to practice tests for GED, SAT, ACT, GRE, LSAT, MCAT, TOEFL, and U.S. citizenship exams, and hosts educational programs on topics such as geology, Civil War history, and Medicare enrollment.

Hosts regular story hours, weekly storytelling and craft sessions, seasonal reading programs in summer and winter, and family events such as pasta dinners with stories and games. Also offers early literacy kits and educational programming for children.

Lends Nook e-readers, fishing poles, tackle boxes, and educational kits such as Books Plus Kits, Oral History Kits, Discovery Packs, and Bookmark Kits for one-week periods. Also provides early literacy computers and creative arts materials for public use.

Provides public access to internet computers, a color copier, and a fax machine. Supports digital literacy through computer classes and tutorials, and offers remote access to library systems for renewing and reserving materials via phone or the STARCAT online platform.

Provides public library access during specified weekly hours, including a newly constructed 6,000-square-foot building with a full basement. Offers physical access to books, magazines, DVDs, music CDs, puzzles, and other materials for borrowing under a no-fine policy for most items, with specific loan periods and renewal options.

Runs a PurpleAir monitor to provide real-time air quality data and maintains a weather station that supplies local weather information for the Pulteney community.

Hosts creative workshops such as needle felting, clay pinch pot making, and upcycled art using wine bottles and pop cans. Also organizes educational and community-building events featuring live animals from Tanglewood Nature Center and presentations by local experts.

Offers access to digital books, audiobooks, magazines, and streaming content via the Libby platform; provides full-length practice tests for standardized exams through Peterson’s Test Prep; and supports academic and career research using online databases. Also enables 24/7 external Wi-Fi access and virtual reference services with staff responses within 24 hours.

Offers home delivery of library materials for patrons unable to visit in person and provides interlibrary loan services to obtain materials from other libraries.

Makes tax forms available to the public and operates a magazine exchange program. Also hosts a Unity Wall community art project inviting residents to contribute decorated canvases.

Raised funds to build an elevator, improving physical access to library facilities for patrons with mobility challenges.

Employs a library director, clerks, and support staff to manage daily operations, maintain collections, issue library cards, and provide circulation services.