When we first moved to this area, the staff of the Roeliff Jansen Community Library became an…read moreinvaluable resource. Not only is every staff member I have met over the past eight years, friendly and helpful, the programs they offer to the community are amazing and so diverse for a rural, small, library. The annual picnic, book store, visiting authors, and camping equipment on loan, are just a few things that come to mind. Community service is such a large part of what this library represents. I have never been a patron of such a fine, welcoming and meaningful public library! Kathleen Schell

Nice modern building, but very noisy. Surprisingly, the noise comes from behind the desk. It's…read morelike a henhouse. No matter where you're seated, trying to work, there's the constant racket of old ladies gossiping and recounting the mundane details of their rural existence. Clearly none of these folks have ever been associated with a real library, where SILENCE IS GOLDEN. Here at Hillsday it's NOT.

In the site of the Watt's DePyster Fireman's Hall in Tivoli, NY, lies this mediocre-sized library…read more Although my brothers have been going in there from time to time, my first time into this library was today. Although I wasn't overly thrilled at seeing the inside, but I know it's someplace to return to if all my former sources of Internet have been taken up and I'm in desperate need. The library may look big when viewed from outside, but it's not when you head inside. From the outside, what you are seeing is actually one of three "departments" inside this 2-story building. When you look inside this library, they don't have many computers, and the computers they did have today, were all full of other people. Overall, the remainder of the library wasn't overly crowded, but was awaiting a book-sale presentation about "Mysterious Creatures" in New York State (near Kinderhook, NY more or less). Anywho, when you look around the library, the walkways are not very wide, and are not suitable for any wheelchair accessibility to get through, and the steps leading into this library prove that there is no other accessibility in. (The back entrance is no better.) Even then, the large print books are merged sporadically throughout the library, and mixed into the regular books according to call number. They are marked however, so don't get this review wrong. Personally, if they designated another single section for just these "special" books, they can be better found for those who have trouble seeing. The weirdest thing was there's another bookshelf filled with a few more books across the alleyway that seemed to contain about 50 books I bet the EMPLOYEE'S DON'T EVEN REALISE are over there. Overall, I wouldn't mind going back there when I need a place just to read, but to actually find a book or empty computer seat to type up documents, you're best off going to other sources.

This is the best library per square foot in America. Staff is friendly, knowledgeable and helpful…read more Yes, it's TINY. It also offers more programs for the community (young, old and in between) than many libraries twenty times its size.

I am sorry to read negative reviews of the Pittsfield Library. I have always found staff to be…read morehelpful, upbeat and personable. The library has a great selection, comfortable spots to relax with a book or magazine and plenty of computers to access. The online reservation program is simple to use. I do agree that there should be a way to check out books in person. Keep up the great service. An excellent public library like ours is essential to our community.

This is about the 'Friends of the...." book sale. As someone…read morelocal who contributes thousands of dollars of books it galls me to see dealers swoop down on these sales and rape the collection. If the library is serious about the sale they would hire some college kids for the summer to list everything on Amazon at 10X the price and cut out the dealers. To get into the sale early as a 'friend' you queue up to get a number. With 25 people standing there the volunteer waited a half hour until the second hand came around to the (unposted) time.

This is my hometown library, one of the smallest libraries I've ever been in. It doesn't have a…read morewhole lot of books but you can request any book you want from the library system. The reason that the library merits 5 stars is because of how it's run and the staff. You don't have a printer? Hey, you can print 20 pages for free. You can't pick up your requests in the stated time frame? They'll call you and let you know you have something to pick up and they'll hold it for a few extra days. The staff is awesome, they don't have a really big budget but they utilize every penny of it.

Friendliest staff of any library I've been to, and believe me, I've been around in my seventy-two…read moreyears. They have become like family to me. My home outside my apartment.

With a historic Dutch-style building facade, the Capital Region Welcome Center represents the…read moregateway into the Capital Region for northbound travelers and promotes the region's local tourism industry, rich history, food, and beverages. This I Love NY sign- is a symbol of New York State Welcome Centers and it has 11 welcome centers across NY state. I am just listing this down because now I am interested in exploring it all. * Adirondacks Welcome Center * Capital Region Welcome Center * Central NY Welcome Center * Finger Lakes Welcome Center * Hudson Valley | Catskills Welcome Center * Long Island Welcome Center * Mohawk Valley Welcome Center * New York State Welcome Center * North Country Welcome Center * Southern Tier Welcome Center * Western NY Welcome Center These are all newly constructed and not your usual rest stop. Food options are limited here, not a single chain or separate kiosk. Approximately 15 miles south of Albany, the Capital Region Welcome Center is located across from the New York State Thruway Authority's New Baltimore Service Area on the Thruway (I-87) it features regionally specific elements linked to the history and natural beauty of the Hudson River Valley, including attractions such as the New York State Capitol, the historic Saratoga Racecourse, and the Lake George region. Other features include: Taste NY Market showcases locally grown and sourced products from across the capital region and the state. Taste NY Market Menu PDF Artifact wall I LOVE NY interactive kiosks. Area for farmers' markets Music-themed children's playground High-speed Electric Vehicle charging stations.

Cool rest stop with a few fast food choices like chick fil a shake shack and panera. The place is…read morerather clean . We stopped here on a trip down and back from Vermont to NYC. The panera didn't have most of the soups on their menu and the chicken at the chick fil A tasted oddly chewy like a hard/raw chewy. Other than that the facilities is conventional and clean so that's what my rating is based off

Berkshire South is a wonderful community resource. The facility is served by a helpful and always…read morefriendly staff; the program offerings are plentiful and thoughtfully designed; the special events bring locals together around shared interests. The kids of course have a ball here! We are fortunate indeed to have this gem of an organization in our midst...my daughter who goes there to work out on her visits here from NY loves 'its vibe'. Anne Beardsley

Berkshire South is such a valuable part of our community, but it's also great for visitors looking…read morefor a place to workout or swim indoors. The employees are helpful, facilities good quality, and hours convenient. There are always a ton of fun programs offered: cooking classes, arts and crafts, swim and fitness lessons, babysitting and life guard certifications (look for them out patrolling local lakes in the summer!), dance for kids and adults, guided nature walks, etc. etc. You can even host a birthday party here! Most importantly, this organization does such vital good work for our community - from providing excellent childcare and day camps for families to offering free community suppers and discounted memberships to those in need. People of all ages and backgrounds can find a deep sense of belonging here. I truly appreciate all the work the staff and volunteers do for the people of Great Barrington and nearby towns.

It's a nice park and historical site. They have several…read morepermanent BBQ grills picnic tables, water fountain. A group of us went for the fireworks, that were supposed to be from Saugerties, NY. We arrived midday; to see the re-enactments and enjoy the great weather. There was an ice cream truck and a food truck. They Always had a line. By the time dusk was approaching the crowds started to fill the great lawns facing the Hudson and the city of Saugerties. By 9:15 pm there were a few sporadic flares from the West Bank of the Hudson. By almost 10 pm it was pretty obvious there would not be a fireworks display that night. We've seen plenty of fireworks displays, so for us was NBD. Felt kind of bad for the young families whose kids were probably disappointed.

The word that came to mind most often, as I was strolling around the grounds, was "unspoiled."…read moreThey're probably a bit less fancy, more basic, than other mansion grounds, but they're very well maintained, with enough signs to be informative. The gardens were nice and also well maintained, but not fancy - some signs as to the varieties of flowers and plants would be nice. There's several places to the south of the house offering scenic views of the Hudson River, and the Catskills beyond that. Mansion tours were going on while I was there. A sign at the entrance says that paid parking for 2020 began on 6/6, where you pay the fee of $5 at one of the machines at either end of the parking lot. Unfortunately, it's not $5, it's $6 now. Rest rooms are available behind the parking lot, and there's a fairly large area behind it and to the south for sitting, picnics, and light recreation (e.g., folks were throwing frisbees). Dogs are permitted on a leash. Even on a nice day on a weekend, there's plenty of space for everyone. Though I imagine this is a very popular site to visit during fall foliage season.