Welcome to the first edition of our first e-mail newsletter. 
 
We have grown in so many ways since our library opened in 1913.  This is especially true in our use of technology.  Well, wouldn't you expect that after 96 years!
 
As we go through many exciting changes, we want to share everything with you, and the newsletter format is a great way to do it. With the newsletter we'll be able to keep you up-to-date with current information, acquisitions, programs, events and library news.
If you have an idea for an article or would like to write something yourself, please let us know.  New articles and ideas are always welcome. 
 
Rest assured your e-mail address will not be disclosed to any third party.  You can unsubscribe at any time.

 Carol Briggs, Director

By now I think almost everyone knows that construction on the new library has begun.  Site preparation work has proceeded to the point where you can actually envision what the future holds, and by the time you read this we will have poured the foundations.  Starting in early April we will begin offering tours and seminars illustrating where we are going and explaining how green technology issues are folded into every step of the construction process.  In the meantime, the board joins construction manager George Lagonia in asking everyone not to allow your interest in the project to divert your attention from driving carefully on Route 22.  Tours of the site, moreover, must be arranged in advance:  this is a hard hat area, unsafe to enter without guidance.   

 

But it is exciting and I hope many of you will join us soon in experiencing what the view will be like from our new patio and the main reading room; and to see just how our architects, engineers and contractors have worked to design and build the new library in an environmentally sensitive manner.  In the way the building and driveway are sited, for example, we have not had to bring in or remove a single load of fill.  The small trees that were cut down to provide the required sight lines on Route 22 were chipped and added to the small mountain of topsoil waiting to be spread over the planting areas.  Coarse rocks cover the driveway closest to the road to minimize the amount of mud spread by construction vehicles on the highway.  Silt barriers are in place to prevent runoffs into the Roe Jan.

 

As delighted as I am by our progress to date, I confess to being a little nervous as well.  Money is tight and, quite frankly, we don't have nearly all the pledges we need to furnish and finish the new building when it is built.  We need three or four more major donors.  We need new associates ready to pledge $250 a year for four years, and we need literally hundreds of people to give what they can.  We need volunteers to work with our committees on landscaping, interior design, and computer technology to save us from having to pay for this kind of work, and to make sure we have the facilities we want.  Meg Wormley, Nina Mankin and the members of the steering committee have done a terrific job in raising enough money-- including nearly half a million dollars from grants and state agencies-- to put up the walls and roof.  But it will take a community to make it a library.   We have more than 3000 cardholders, and 6000 residents in our three towns, but fewer than 400 donors.  We'll count on George to build the building; we need everyone to make it work.  
 

Ned Schneier, Board President

 

 

Proposed Mission Statement  

Our purpose is to provide a meeting place for networking, social contact and promotional opportunities for painters, musicians, photographers, craftsmen, art appreciators, etc. in the Roe-Jan area by arranging exhibits, classes, lectures, concerts, etc. We believe in the freedom of expression and the importance of the creative voice in all endeavors. We seek to cultivate an environment which will contribute to the cultural life of the community within the sponsorship of the Roeliff Jansen Community Library in Hillsdale, N.Y. 

 

Inge Etzbach

To date, almost $1.7 million has been raised for building the new Roeliff Jansen Community Library. Over $800,000 of that has been donated and pledged by people of the Roe-Jan area. Over 350 people have contributed ... anywhere from a few dollars to $200,000. The rest of the money raised is foundation grants, and state construction funds.  

Additional funding will come from the sale of the current library, another state construction grant, and financing from NYSERDA (New York State Energy Research and Development Authority). But, to ensure that the library does not need a long-term mortgage, $400,000 more is needed from the community. 

The Roe-Jan Community Library is an association library, founded, organized, run and supported by local citizens. That's why local citizens are the primary source of funding for the new building. And that's why we need more people to step forward and make a pledge (giving over up to four years) or a donation. 

Have you contributed yet? If not, give some thought to how important the library is to you and how much the community will benefit from the new building. Then, please, make a pledge or donation. For more information on the Capital Campaign go to www.roejanlibrary.org/capitalcampaign, call the Campaign office at 329-0182, or contact Campaign Co-Chair Meg Wormley at mwormley@att.net.  Every contribution is important!

Meg Wormley, Steering Committee Co-Chair

 
All area Barnes & Noble Stores are joining forces to raise money for the Mid-Hudson Library System during National Library Week (NLW), April 12-18. The System will earn 10% of all purchases made by customers who present vouchers.  The funds raised this year will support the MHLS Battle of the Books event.  This event is an incentive program for students to read good books and compete with peers. Vouchers are available at the circulation desk.  To help attract people to the stores during NLW there are author visits, signings, and behind the scenes tours.  For a full listing of events visit http://midhudson.org

If you are a golfer save the date! Undermountain Golf Course in Copake will host the second annual Roe-Jan Community Library Building Campaign Benefit Golf Tournament on Sunday, June 14. The 18-hole, two-person scramble format tournament will have prizes for men's, women's and mixed teams. Included in the fee are lunch, snacks and a chicken BBQ dinner. Golfers who played in the tournament last June said the day was lots of fun and the food delicious. Non-golfers are welcome at the BBQ. Please let all your golfing friends know. Entry forms will be available soon at the library and at the course.

 
Volunteers have been an essential part of our Library since its beginning. Under the supervision of our Director, Carol Briggs, volunteers serve the patrons who come to borrow books and other materials, and to use the computers.

These volunteers are dedicated women and men who spend many hours each year ( 1,544 in 2008) to support the Library with their time and abilities. There is a constant need for new workers to replace those who move away or find other occupations. 

Other volunteers, to name a few, are those on the Library Board of Trustees who are responsible for the overall management of our Library. Members of the building committee have worked for many years to help fulfill our dreams for a new building.
The Friends of the Library is an organized group to keep the library in the public eye with various programs and financial support.
We have volunteer experts who give freely of their time to keep the computers functioning.
Programs for children, especially in the summer, are provided by those who wish to show young people the wealth of materials that our library provides. 

If you see the sign  "VOLNTEER"  with the caption - "What's Missing?"

The obvious answer is    U.    Perhaps it's time .We will see you at the Library. 

Marjorie Deitz, Volunteer Coordinator

 
Henry Hudson (1570-1611) was the first European to explore the entire navigable length of the Hudson River and leave behind a description of his voyage.  In the fall of 1609, Henry Hudson and his crew of 20 Dutch and English sailors sailed his ship, the Half Moon, from New York harbor to what is now Albany. 

Now, 400 years later, take "Flat Henry" home with you and on trips, picnics, family get togethers and take pictures of him being part of activities and places he never dreamed of. 

During the summer there will be a county-wide celebration and picnic where all the pictures will be on display.