Library gets a new director!

Hello, Hyde Park!

I’m excited to introduce myself as the new director at Hyde Park Library. Before starting here at the end of January, I was a library director at Wallkill Public Library for the past seven years. Previous to that I worked as a library assistant and, before I had my son, as an editor at The Times Herald-Record. I don’t have to tell you that you have an amazing library, and it’s only going to get better as the capital projects the board has planned make the building accessible to all.

I’ve only been here a short time, but I’m super impressed by the library’s hardworking staff, dedicated Friends’ group, and forward-thinking board. I can’t wait to get to know the library’s users and hear from you regarding ways we can make our services even better! Until then, stay tuned for exciting benefits like the upcoming Books, Bourbon, & Bacon (see below) and the recent Words and Music, which are helping us raise the funds we need to make the library more accessible.

Lisa Palmer

Celebrate Leap Day with some Books, Bourbon, & Bacon

You can help make the library more accessible while enjoying great food and drinks at Coppola’s Thursday, Feb. 29! Books, Bourbon, & Bacon is an event the library board, Friends, and other volunteers are organizing to help support the proposed elevator and other capital improvements slotted for the library. Grants are also being used for the projects. Feb. 29’s fundraiser, which will be held from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., will include delicious hors d’oeuvres as well as bourbon tastings. Raffle baskets will be available, as well. Tickets are $80 a piece or $150 for two. Special sponsorships are being offered, as well. Call 845-453-7403 or email mialandon@gmail.com for reservations and information.

Thanks to the Friends for their advocacy!

The Friends of the Hyde Park Library contributed a donation to assist in funding the buses that helped bring more than 100 library advocates to Albany so they could show lawmakers their support for

libraries and their services! Each year library advocates from across the state gather in Albany to visit legislators and voice support for budget and legislative measures in an effort to keep libraries strong. It’s always hoped that the larger the crowd of visitors, the bigger the impression they’ll make on lawmakers, and renting buses for the occasion is a sure way to guarantee higher attendance! Hyde Park Library’s Friends are an active group who have the library’s best interests at heart. Their many activities include fundraisers, special events, and book sales. If you’d like to participate in any way, visit

the library’s website to download the Friends’ membership application!