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    Mamakating Library

    5.0 (2 reviews)
    Open 10:00 am - 5:00 pm

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    21 days ago

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    Cragsmoor Free Library - Interior

    Cragsmoor Free Library

    5.0(2 reviews)
    7.9 mi

    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.

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    Cragsmoor Free Library - Interior, note chestnut pillars

    Interior, note chestnut pillars

    Cragsmoor Free Library

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    Middletown Thrall Library

    Middletown Thrall Library

    2.9(7 reviews)
    9.5 mi

    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.

    Mamakating Library - libraries - Updated May 2026

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