Many of us first explored reading through the library. Between storytimes, summer reading competitions and the thrill of finally getting your own library card, reading became an adventure rather than a school-regulated chore. But now, as a humanities undergraduate with only three days of classes per week, the majority of my days are reluctantly spent reading in the on-campus Frederick Ferris Thompson Memorial Library. While I love the Thompson Library, I needed to branch out. In order to continue finding joy in reading, I ventured to local libraries. I hoped to discover if the library’s physical nature would hold its emotional resonance years later, and also find a new study spot.
There are three libraries in the Poughkeepsie Public Library District (PPLD) all accessible by Dutchess County Public Transit: Adriance Memorial Library, Boardman Road Branch Library and Sadie Peterson Delaney African Roots Branch Library. There is also the Roaming Rover Van that is stationed at the Thursday Farmers’ Markets on Vassar’s North Lot during the fall semester. This is where I got a library card and checked out my first library book in a quick ten-minute process. You can visit the bookmobile at Adams Fairacre Farms this Thursday, March 28.
Upon deboarding the bus, Adriance Library appeared as a grand cathedral with white pillars and a rounded dome on its roof, a striking interruption in the downtown cityscape. After walking up the ivory steps, I was greeted by a gallery of paintings displayed on easels throughout the hallway. The regal aesthetic extended to the interior as well, with historical artifacts in glass cases and vintage green lamps. There was also ample study space with a number of tables with USB ports and computers available for public use where I set up my workstation. At first, I thought that it was because I visited on a school night that there were not any kids who could interrupt my workflow. I later discovered that the four stories of the library allow for the children’s books to be kept on a separate level.
Beyond free books and DVDs, there are an abundance of services and events the library hosts in the community that just one article would be insufficient in covering. I particularly appreciated a community fridge started by local students. Upcoming events include an all ages chess club and a panel, titled “Women in Sports Tell Their Stories,” in partnership with the Sports Museum of Dutchess County.
The libraries also hold a great deal of local history in their physical archives and on their website. Adriance Memorial Library is even the oldest library in New York State and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Boardman Road Branch Library opened in 2020 to replace Arlington Branch Library, now with more resources. It is a roughly 15-minute bike ride from campus. The Sadie Peterson Delaney African Roots Branch Library is located in the Family Partnership Center alongside a number of nonprofits and is built on the grounds of the first Poughkeepsie High School library.
Ultimately, I think I found the childhood joy of libraries that I was looking for. Going to the library to read a book was more enjoyable than reading in Gordon Commons, and I even checked out a fiction book to read in my spare time. I also think there is a key difference between a school library and our local public libraries: There, I could just be a person, rather than a student. I was forced to be present in the moment in the library, aware of my surroundings and not scrolling on social media. Especially as part of the Vassar Bubble, I feel in this small way I can break out.
While I will continue to return to my patronage study spots such as The Crafted Kup and our very own Thompson Memorial Library, I now happily add the public libraries to my rotation. I sit in the same few spots in the school library, so going to a public library forced me to try something new and accept the discomfort. The library is one of the few places left where I do not have to pay for a coffee to sit, and where I am forced to not just study, but discover new books and events. I think the travel component of either biking or bussing adds the essential adventure factor I am searching for in my reading days. Traveling to the library adds another layer of fun and physicality to my otherwise redundant, sedentary schedule.
In two weeks, in honor of National Library Week, the PPLD is collecting feedback on visitors’ favorite aspects of the library. Hopefully more people will continue to visit and enjoy the library to discover their own unique favorite feature.