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Claverack Library holds grand opening of new space
Oct 28, 2019 1:00 pm
Kate Mostaccio is reporting for The Columbia Paper the Claverack Free Library held the grand opening of its new space on Route 9H in the Claverack hamlet, October 26. The building began its life as a firehouse, but will now house the library's entire collection, including artwork, a children's room and craft area, a teen room, a coffee nook, computers, a town history room and more. “The new library is full of touches of people who have been passionate about the project,” said Library Board of Trustees member Jennifer Fortenbaugh Post. “We’re thrilled with the way it turned out. Our architect, Linda McNuff, has been amazing and has been there every step of the way.” The former A.B. Shaw Fire Company building has undergone extensive renovation, made possible by more than 700 neighbors, businesses and private charitable foundations, leaving the library debt-free despite the project's $2.6-million price tag. However, with new space and a significant increase in the costs of salaries, benefits, heating, building maintenance and technology, the library is seeking an increase of $10,000 in town funding through a referendum on the November 5 ballot for Claverack voters. Claverack maintains the lowest funding level and receives approximately half as much funding from its town than other libraries, Mostaccio writes. Read the full story in The Columbia Paper.