Red Hook Public Library

Specialties

The mission of the Red Hook Public Library is to provide services and materials for our community residents of all ages for their personal growth, enjoyment and educational needs. The library is dedicated to providing practical access to information. Our further mission is to serve as a place for children to discover the joy of reading and the value of libraries.

History

Established in 1898.

A meeting was held on June 15, 1898 at the home of Mrs. Daniel W. Wilbur to organize the Red Hook Free Library. A room was rented on E. Market for $ 2.50 a month, and Mr. Eli Collins was hired as librarian for $ 40 per year. (He was to furnish oil and fuel as necessary. He lasted 2 years)

As the library grew over the years, it moved from the room on Market St. to its home on S. Broadway in 1935, when the Hendricks property — a mid-​19^th century octagonal building, was purchased for $ 3,850. Furniture and equipment were donated, and Mrs. Edith Hallock earned $ 240 a year as librarian.

In 1959, the Red Hook Public Library joined the County Library System which was later called the Mid-​Hudson Libraries [established 1959].

The library passed a Chapter 414 Budget resolution in 2007, providing stable funding which allowed for an increase in hours. In 2010 the Board of Directors oversaw an expansion of the library making it ADA accessible and creating a new Children’s Library.

Meet the Business Owner

RHP L.

Business Owner

Red Hook Public Library has been connecting the community of Red Hook with information in its many forms since 1898. It offers a wide variety of programs for all ages. Come check us out!