Equitable Access as Community Engagement

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.

Provides leadership and management for library operations, supports library services through operational and public assistance functions, and maintains compliance with state educational standards through a charter from the Regents of the State University of New York. The library is governed by a board that holds regular monthly meetings.

Provides a range of ongoing programs including book clubs for adults, summer and winter reading programs for children and teens, educational events such as wildlife presentations, and monthly take-home craft kits for teens. The Summer Reading Program begins June 29 and encourages reading through tracking and access to diverse formats, while the Winter Reading Program runs January 2–February 28 with BINGO-style participation cards.

Provides local artists with free month-long art exhibitions in the library's Community Room, featuring approximately 10–20 wall-mounted pieces using a Walker bracket system. Collaborates with photographers to display images via continuous slide show on a large-screen TV, and has hosted specific exhibits such as colored pencil works by Jamie Ohman from November 4–29, 2025.

Maintains a formal collection development policy to guide selection and management of materials, provides a fine-free policy for overdue items, and accepts donations of materials under a formal donation policy. Also provides free access to a limited selection of state and federal tax forms during tax season, with up to two complimentary printed copies available.

Provides specialized library services and programming for youth, including a Summer Reading Program for pre-readers, children, and teens, a monthly Take & Make craft program for grades 6–12, and a completed mural installation in the Youth Area to enhance the environment for young patrons.

Conducts annual fundraising initiatives including the sale of geraniums from Bradtke Greenhouses, Salt City Coffee, and an annual Tree of Gift Cards Drawing to support library programs and operations.

Offers public access to computers with Microsoft Office Suite and internet, laptops for in-library use, and WiFi throughout the building. Provides printing services accessible from library computers or personal devices via mobile printing through Princh, and offers one-on-one and weekly drop-in technology assistance for personal devices.

Provides meeting rooms and study rooms for use by not-for-profit community groups engaged in educational, cultural, intellectual, or civic activities. Offers room reservation services and hosts monthly board meetings in the Community Room on the third Monday at 6:00 PM, except when rescheduled.

Provides required sexual harassment prevention training for staff, trustees, and volunteers in compliance with New York State law.

Offers weekly story hours, Baby Talk sessions, and themed educational events for children from infancy through preschool, including letter learning, songs, stories, and play activities, with monthly baby development programs and dinosaur-themed paleontology activities during summer.

Operates as a community hub offering educational, cultural, and recreational programs for children and adults, fostering lifelong learning and community engagement.

Conducts public board meetings with documents available at least 48 hours in advance and maintains online access to the most recent 12 months of board records to ensure transparency and community accountability.

Provides hands-on workshops such as flower pounding and embroidery led by community instructors to promote textile arts and creative skill development among community members.