The EF library is nice in that they have the newest paperbacks and hardcovers available, programs…read morefor adults & teens, storytime for the kids, and tables for tutoring. However, due to all of the above, its also the loudest library i've ever been to. Trying to sit and read or study is very difficult as the patrons AND the librarians speak at normal tones, often while on the phone or cellphones. The librarians are helpful and the size of the library is cute but the set-up leaves much to be desired as its impossible to find a quiet corner. I'm giving it 3 stars because of all the activities and programs that are available which make it a great community center; otherwise I'd give it 2 stars for its loud, un-library-like atmosphere.

Rating based mostly on WiFi attributes: recently they revamped the WiFI area so there's now plenty…read moreof places to plug in your laptop. However, wireless speeds are very slow and the library is quite noisy. Better off buying a $2 cup of coffee and going to the Fishkill Starbucks. Edit: Bumped from three to four stars. WiFi speed seems to have improved somewhat (or maybe I'm more inured to the slowness), and I'm kind of used to the noise by now (plus, if BYO headphones and music are good enough for Starbucks, why not here?) [it should be noted that there are some loud day-trader-type assholes at times treating it like their own personal office] Heh, plus they have a Keurig machine where you can buy a cup of coffee/tea/cocoa, a nice touch.

The best! Wonderful programs and welcoming environment ... they will always try their best to…read morelocate new books

Beacon's public library is a great addition to the bustling downtown district! We always make a…read morepoint to visit the local library whenever we travel, and Howland is no exception to many of the wonderful libraries we've visited in the greater New York area! The library is a bit smaller than some of the others (then again, we're spoiled by the vastness of the Mahopac Public Library), but doesn't skimp on book selection and friendliness of the staff. This is also an excellent place to visit with children - their youth section is robust and it always seems like there's some fun programming for kids going on whenever we visit. The Howland Public Library is a definite asset to the Beacon community, and a must-visit to add to your list when you're in town!

The cutest little village library that ever was…read more Yes, its big sister in Rhinebeck is certainly a great size and has plenty going on. But for this location, can't beat it. There is pretty much nothing left in Rhinecliff except the hotel in case you need a place to hang out for a bit. Today I found myself with a ride to the train station two hours earlier than I needed, so I got dropped off at the library. The librarian cranked up the heat for me, showed me around and I had complete peace and quiet to get some work done with their WiFi and tables. Much more comfortable than the train station! There was even a coffee/hot water station ($1 donation suggested- please do give them some love!) which I took advantage of to enjoy a coffee while working. There seems to be a big hall where they likely do events and of course they are part of the mid hudson library branches so you can borrow and get deliveries of books from any of the area libraries. As I live closer to the Rhinebeck library I hadn't made it to this one but I was impressed by the lovely space close to the train station- a short walk even with my luggage. I will likely come back to just do some work because it's quieter than the Rhinebeck location and less crowded.

Great library!! Nice section for kids. Computers w Internet, fax, printer, etc. everything you need…read morein a historic building with lots of character. Also make your own coffee while you browse books. A real neighborhood library.

A lovely community library branch with friendly librarians and crocheting/knitting club!read more

My New York State Government review may cause some anger to readers. Here's why I think it's Five…read moreStars. I've lived in Five States. I was born in New York and returned here twenty years ago. I've been in favor of most of the Governors in recent years. But my stars are in favor of my current governor who is the first woman governor of the state. She's also a mother. I don't claim to be knowledgeable about all the current laws and issues. I do know that what she says and is attempting to accomplish makes sense to me. This state has taken care of me in my senior years. The past few years I haven't paid any state taxes annually. In fact I get a check back for the school tax. The state government website for taxes is excellent. Don't get me wrong there's always room for improvement. I still think even with some of the archaic laws still on the books, it's the best operating State Government where I've resided. Review your State.....

We enjoyed the peacefulness of the grounds and the walk to the house from the parking lot. The…read morebirds swooping over the pond in search of bugs was a nice backdrop to all the nature around us. The Rangers were friendly and our tour of the house was amazing. The Ranger was very knowledgeable of Eleanor's life and her contributions to society. She made it so interesting with personal stories, my favorite was her private talk with JFK prior to offering her endorsement. The furniture and photos really took you back in time.

Ranger Deborah was awesome!! Such a welcoming and knowledgeable tour guide that made our tour at…read moreVal Kill, the home of Eleanor Roosevelt, amazing. It was really interesting to learn more about Eleanor, who was truly a fascinating and hard working individual. There are all sorts of personal touches around the house that made it feel very homey and welcoming. There is a memorial to the 75th anniversary of the passage of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, an effort which Eleanor led, in the gardens too. The grounds are pretty and welcoming, and the community is allowed to just stop by and play on her tennis court whenever it is open. The home itself requires tour tickets with a ranger, which you can get at the small cottage that serves as a visitor's space, featuring an exhibit, film, and maps/stamps/etc. Restrooms are in a third building on the property and were clean and well-kept.

The home of over 1200 businesses and organizations, makes the Orange County Chamber one of the…read morelargest chambers in New York State and the Tri-State region. The Orange County Chamber is the voice of the business community and a strong community partner to many wonderful and committed nonprofits.

6/26/26: Staatsburgh can give many of the Newport mansions a run for their money…read more On the drive up to the mansion, you'll see a beautiful sculpture of Diana the huntress. We made reservations online. Upon entry, you'll check in and pay at the gift shop in the rear of the estate. Lindsay was very helpful. Inside the gift shop, there's wonderful items for serving tea and historical books on area mansions. Our wonderful docent was Faith. She was so passionate and highly knowledgeable of all the estate decor and family history. Think Faith is one of the best docents ever! The tour group starts out in a very low-keyed way. During that time, you're learning about the history of the estate in a fun way. Out of nowhere, the Gilded Age Opulence appears. YOU'RE WOWED! Unfortunately, Staatsburgh doesn't receive the accolades like the other well known area mansions. If you're going to see one estate in the area, make it Staatsburgh!

The Staastsburgh Estate grounds are simply beautiful, expansive and extremely well maintained. The…read morelong canopied tree-lined paved driveway winds its way up to the mansion and down to and along the Hudson River. There is a smaller unpaved road that leads to the carriage house and around to several gardens and eventually up to the front entry way of the mansion. We didn't go inside as we had spent 40 minutes walking the grounds but plan to do so on a future visit.