I love this cosy little library. I don't think I've ever actually checked anything out, but I…read moresometimes I'll browse or drop off books after a hike. Friends have gotten on my case for wanting to visit a library right after a hike, but the charm wins them over as soon as we enter every time. Last time I had to beg them to leave. The lady who works there is always friendly. This hidden gem is a RCLS library.

If you're in the Cragsmoor, New York, area (Walker Valley, Pine Bush, or Ellenville), I highly…read morerecommend that you stop by this remarkable and historic community library. (Cragsmoor is adjacent to the Sam's Point Preserve of Minnewaska State Park, which is worth a visit on its own for some really excellent hiking trails.) The Library seems unremarkable from the exterior, but the interior features a large room with a wood-paneled ceiling and dominated at one end by a large stone fireplace with a bas relief sculpture above it. The other end of the room, behind the librarian's desk, features large windows, including stained glass panels. The Library was originally built in 1925, and many of the books purchased upon the opening or soon thereafter are still on the shelves for loan. Several years after it opened, a narrow balcony, supported by American Chestnut pillars, was added around three walls. Many large paintings by local artists (Charles Curran among them) are hung from the balcony railing or on the walls throughout the room. It is, in short, everything a library should be - a comfortable, serene space with plenty of spots tucked in where one can spend some time undisturbed. During our visit, the library director, Nancy Krom (a Cragsmoor native, descended from generations of Cragsmoorians), warmly welcomed us and provided an overview of the history of the library and the artwork.

What a great library two stories of bliss and books, great dvd's, audio books games for ps3, ps4,…read moreps5, Xbox etc Games . All in all a great place to stop by.. also free high speed internet

This isn't my home library but am here far more than my home location because it's a comfortable…read morelibrary with knowledgeable staff. It is a RCLS library. Parking is good.

So well kept, such a great selection and amenities. Staff is friendly and knowledgeable.well lit…read moreand adequate parking, also walking distance to the old Salesian school.

The Library in Warwick has a lot of large print books, comic books, and magazines. One can order…read morejust about any book from the larger library system which works super well. I don't really like the noise policy which enables one loud person to largely ruin the quiet environment for all others trying to read or study. Workers act irritated and annoyed to answer simple client requests. There's a large parking lot. The budget draws 2 million a year from taxpayers and it seems the high cost derives from excessive fees for digital subscriptions which large Silicon Valley corporations charge local libraries. It's shameful. Hours are limited.

Wow what an incredible looking library. Such a great layout and set up everything you could need…read morefrom a library and so much more. I even overheard one of the librarians helping a patron set up his COVID booster shot. What a great staff very friendly and welcoming. Books , audiobooks, videos,dvd's video games and tons and tons more.

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!

This is my favorite library in Orange County, which says a lot because I love most of them…read more It's everything I look for in a library and more. They are also good about informing the public about community offerings. I've discovered so many lovely community groups and events by simply popping into the library. The library itself is good about booking engaging activities and events.

This is a special announcement the Harriet Tubman sculpture has arrived,it will only be here for 2…read moremonths. It was created by an Emmy/Academy award winning sculptor Wesley Wofford. Run don't walk to be amazed,words does not do it justice, & by the way it was what Harriet was about

Love this place. New to the area and although hours are slightly goofy, it is a great place to get…read morework done, prints or just grab a book and enjoy the space. Staff are great and helpful and the space is beautiful in a great little town! Highly recommend checking it out and seeing what peaks your interest there. Great local resource!!!

The Phoenicia Library's logo is the best. It features a bespectacled bear in an Adirondack chair,…read morereading a book. Really, what's NOT to adore about that? Due to a fire several years ago, the library recently underwent major renovations and looks brand spanking new. There are two floors full of books and DVDs, and the rooms are bright with lots of light and wooden floors. There were plenty of folks sitting in chairs and reading and also a bunch in a back conference-like room. If you enjoy fishing and ukuleles, you're in luck. Ukuleles are available to borrow, and the Phoenicia Library also has the unique Jerry Bartlett Memorial Angling Collection which is worth checking out, on the second floor. We spoke with a couple of librarians, and they were quite friendly and helpful. There is a bathroom off to the side of the circulation desk. Offering lots of books and activities, if I lived in Phoenicia, I'd be a regular fixture at the library, no doubt.

This is one of the best institutions in Middletown, but the professionalism is sometimes lacking…read morecompared to most of the other RCLS libraries I patronize. I hate how quickly parking goes sometimes, but there is always a spot open within a block or two, so that's not a big deal in regards to distance. I only hate it because I've been followed walking to the library before even when I've parked in the closest spots to the door in the parking lot. I've been solicited and bothered by people hanging out in the parking lots a few times through the years. Although I don't think I've ever visited and not seen security, the security is never outside but the problems are never inside. My browsing is admittedly a little unconventional. I'll plop on the ground in a corner or dead aisle and skim a book while debating whether it's worth my time to check out. It is weird but has never been an issue at other libraries yet seems to get security's attention at Middletown. While no member of security has said anything, I don't like it because how am I getting all your attention while the people circling the parking lot asking everyone who stops for money going unnoticed. I prefer patronizing the other RCLS locations, although this library is so close that I can walk there from home. The others give more library vibes. Aside from Port Jervis, no one side eyes me for anything. I can't remember how many times I've even fallen asleep while studying at other libraries, and at most someone might tease me about picking a more engaging book next time. In Goshen a reference librarian even encouragingly suggested a quieter spot in a corner to nap so I could wake up fresh for another round of studying. I have a feeling security would chase me out if I ever did that at Middletown. Some librarians might as well. But because I don't feel comfortable there, it's not my choice study spot anyhow. All that said, I did choose my home mostly because of the proximity to the library and because this library is a part of the RCLS system. I do think it's one of the most underrated gems of Middletown. it just doesn't always pass the vibe test, especially is used to the vibes at most of the other RCLS libraries.

While I understand that libraries want to maintain a safe space for their patrons, I've found it…read moreuncomfortable after visiting a handful of times, seeing all the cops around and then being questioned to show my ID as an adult based on my youthful appearance due to their suspicion that I was committing "truancy" during school hours. I showed my ID, but I'm also aware that NYS is not a stop and ID state without a reasonable suspicion of a crime, and truancy is not a crime an adult can commit, nor is appearance a "reasonable suspicion". Somehow I've found big city libraries more inviting and I'll continue to stick to other libraries.