Response to Kinderhook Memorial Library opinion

To the editor:

As chair of the Friends of the Kinderhook Memorial Library I would like to respond to the opinion column by Mike Urbaitis published in yesterday’s Register-Star.

The startlingly vituperative tone of this piece comes as a surprise, even in the current climate of deteriorating civility, and the numerous distortions and inaccuracies will, I’m sure, be addressed elsewhere. As the community organization whose mission it is to advocate for the library and support the goals of its board, the Friends have worked since its establishment in 2005 to help the library become the Twenty-first Century institution it must be to provide for the informational, educational and recreational needs of the people of Kinderhook and Stuyvesant. We are so proud of the Friends members, the Board of Trustees, the library staff, and the many, many members of our communities who worked tirelessly to make this possible. The harmonious architecture, the expanded space for programming and materials, the physical accessibility and the access to technology have resulted in a building that allows the library to function safely, comfortably and efficiently as the community center it already was.

I recognize the Register-Star’s intention to publish diverse opinions and appreciate the opportunity to respond on behalf of so many in our towns who are enjoying the benefits of our beautiful, newly-expanded library and will do so for many years to come.

Marie Orlando, Chair

Friends of the Kinderhook Memorial Library