Kate Mostaccio is reporting for The Columbia Paper construction of the new Claverack Free Library is nearing completion. The new 11,000-square-foot, two-level space in the former A.B. Shaw firehouse is expected to open in early November. The new location is directly adjacent to the existing library, at the intersection of Route 34B and Route 9H in the hamlet. The new facility will serve as both a library and a community center. The late Cyndy Hall donated a grand piano, which will be housed in the public meeting area, and the board hopes to dedicate space for an art installation featuring the work of the late Joan Steiner, a former library trustee. Bob and Marilyn Laurie were early supporters of the project and will have gallery space in the library named in honor of their foundation. The main library room has high ceilings and large windows and there are plans to have comfortable seating created near the front windows, set up as reading alcoves. Other planned features include a coffee bar, ethernet cable internet hookups as well as wi-fi, a monitor for library announcements, security cameras throughout and a bank of computers for use by the general public. The library is designed to operate with minimal staff and sections can be zoned to close off spaces that are not being used. “It’s very well insulated,” said Board Vice President Mario Verna, adding that the building “will have high-efficiency mechanics.” The project has been supported by more than 400 individual donors, some multiple times, bringing in a total of $2.6 million, said Jennifer F. Post, secretary, and chairperson of the library’s building and capital committee. Read the full story in The Columbia Paper.