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Kinderhook Memorial Library response to recent My View

March 30, 2019 12:01 am

To the editor:

As members of the Board of Trustees of the Kinderhook Memorial Library, we are responding to the opinion piece written by Mr. Urbaitis and published in the Register-Star. It is important for the public to know the following facts.

The drawings and plans for the new library were subject to public inspection and review by both the village planning board and historic preservation commission. They easily passed both panels following a public hearing.

The Board is completely satisfied with the work of the architect, builder and suppliers who have done an admirable job. The new building is beautiful, functional and accessible and the staff receives daily compliments on the improved facilities.

The $2.3 million project was paid for by private contributions, government and foundation grants. No local tax dollars were spent to construct and outfit the state of the art facility. The building was erected on time and on budget. It is our gift to the community.

The most commonly received comments are how well the new Tuttle building complements the historic Davy building, and how well it fits into the neighborhood.

The tree that was taken down was in poor shape and the utility company regarded it as a public hazard. Another tree was removed because its roots would have been cut during construction. Other plantings will take their place. Landscaping with a shade reading garden will be completed this year.

The gas inserts in the fireplaces will be a health and safety improvement over the burning of wood which has been a public health issue in the neighborhood.

The rationale for the building’s expansion was that the old Kinderhook library was bursting at the seams, constraining growth in its collections, limiting attendance at the 508 programs held last year, and preventing the use of modern technology.

The new building makes all of that possible, and it is succeeding. Since Dec. 14, library cards have been issued to 151 new patrons. The community room has been in full use with art exhibits, craft shows, travelogues, bridge club, garden club meetings, author lectures and other civic programs. In 2018, the library logged in more than 60,000 visits. In 2019, that number will be exceeded.

We want to be clear that the library is not considering acquiring the cleared lot at the corner of Hudson and Sylvester Street for parking space. Parking space is a municipal issue to be decided by the Mayor and Trustees.

We trust that this response will clear up any misunderstandings which were stated in Mr. Urbaitis’ letter. The library board meets in the new Community Room on the second Monday of each month, aside from August, at 7 p.m. These meetings are, and always have been, open to the public. We welcome any comments or suggestions from patrons and taxpayers that can improve our service to the community.

The Board of Trustees of the Kinderhook Memorial Library

Dorothy Balko, Secretary

Bruce Charbonneau

Jeremy Darman

Lee Jamison

Michael Leonard, Treasurer

George Mayer

Jane Jessup Mayer

Bernadette Powis

Marian Sole

Gary Spielmann, President

F. James Tuttle

Karen Vecellio, Vice President

Mark Wilson