First official visit to the community
As he walked around the Highland Falls Library late last Thursday afternoon, Assemblyman Colin Schmitt quickly realized that the facility serves as much more than ‘just a library’; its space, staff and programs make it more of a community center for Highland Falls and Fort Montgomery.
It was his first official visit to Highland Falls since taking office in January. Schmitt replaced James Skoufis in the assembly seat, while Skoufis became the region’s state senator.
Schmitt — who noted he actually had some family from Highland Falls, the Bolands — was escorted around the building by Library Director Leslie Rose, Board of Directors President Gus Koutsourades, and Trustees Regina Kopald and Mabel Galu. As he took in the whole building, he noted high school students being tutored in various rooms of the library, people using the computers and checking out books, children reading to therapy dog Gunner, and other children just wandering in after school.
“This is a busy place,” he said.
Schmitt told the library personnel that everyone “on both aisles” of state government seems to support libraries, and that he has met with regional — Ramapo Catskill Library System — officials to discuss the overall priorities of libraries. The locals explained to him that the Highland Falls Library is a little different than most in the state because it is private, and funded mostly by an annual budget allocation by the Town of Highlands, and donations. The library does, however, apply for and has received grants from the state and other agencies.
“This library was started as a men’s reading room by Mrs. JP Morgan,” Kopald said.
Schmitt enjoyed hearing about the history of the building from Koutsourades, Kopald and Galu, and also enjoyed the historical displays that Rose and her staff have throughout the older parts of the building.
Schmitt asked Rose about circulation, and about what is most used at the library.
She noted that the building’s strong wifi system is important to the community, and gets much use. Rose also expressed concern that they will soon need more computers as more and more is done only online — ie the upcoming 2020 census. Schmitt asked an aide with him to keep an eye out for grants to help the library purchase new computers.
As the toured the lower level of the building, the Board members explained the expansion projects that have been done in the building, including the most recent work downstairs that includes both large and small conference rooms. It was also noted that they’ll soon be doing needed renovations of the library’s parking lot.
Koutsourades took a moment to show the asssemblyman the building’s solar electric system — “we get 15 to 20 percent of our power from the panels on the roof,” he said.
“I really see the love and passion of all of you as we walked around this building,” Schmitt said as the tour came to a close. “It seems that whatever the community needs you find a way to offer it.”
Koutsourades noted that people have even gotten married in the library. In return, Schmitt noted that he can perform weddings and would be happy to do so if he’s ever needed.
The board members urged Schmitt to stop by for events at the library, including the upcoming ‘Collectables’ day — “it would be a great time for you to talk with local residents,” Kopald said.
They also offered him the use of any of the meeting rooms should he want to hold a meeting in Highland Falls.
“You have done an amazing job with this library,” Schmitt said. “If I can help in any way, please let me know.”
Back to visiting therapy dog Gunner …
Gunner was just finishing up a typical Thursday afternoon of his ‘work’, being read to by children as his owner, Stephanie Kutterer, sat by his side. When Schmitt walked into the children’s room, he was drawn immediately to the dog, sitting on the floor to pet him for a few moments, and marvelling in the program. He noted that the state capital in Albany could use a corps of dogs like Gunner, to help combat the stress of doing the business of the state.
“This is the most relaxed I’ve been all day,” Schmitt said.
