May 08, 2026

Library Vote Passes: Programming Can Continue; New Trustees Elected

May 08, 2026/ Katie Hellmuth

The Beacon Public Library announced that their annual budget vote has passed with 275 yes votes and 27 no votes. “Thank you to the Beacon City School District community for your support in approving the library’s 2026–27 budget. Your vote helps ensure we can continue offering programs, resources, and services for everyone in our community!”

Trustee Election Results:
Antonia “Toni” Maeck 256
Kathleen Furfey 240
Pia Ruisi-Besares 233
Henry Breed 156

Recent Status of Increased Usage by Community Members:

20% increase in Circulation
7% increase in library cardholders
23% of the circulation is now in digital items
Over 760 events and programs offered
Over 50,000 child/teen materials borrowed
11 hotspots donated and added to the collection
25% increase in eAudiobook downloads
48% increase in eMagazine readership (woohoo!!!)
130 Passport Applications made (they are a location for submitting your application)
Free movie watching at home (36.7% increase in streaming videos)
Extensive dedicated seating just for teens to gather among themselves
Comfortable chairs and tables for working, reading, thinking.
Free Community food fridge was added! In partnership with Fareground.

April 30, 2026

The Library's Sensory Room Is A Lovely, Calm Place Of Closure For Studying, Working, or Resetting

April 30, 2026/ Katie Hellmuth

The Library’s new Sensory Room is a refreshing new spot in the library to focus, calm down, re-calibrate, and get wheels turning in an enclosed space. While seating is available in the main part of the library, this room can be used or reserved for privacy.

The signage at the Library has been so welcoming, showing they are thinking of so many details for their patrons' comfort levels. For example, there is a weighted blanket and fidgets in this room that patrons are invited to use, and reminded to put back when done.

The lighting and air purifier can be adjusted to one's comfort level. Technology and supplies are available for use, including markers, an eraser and laptop. The room is open to everyone and can fit up to 6 people. Walk-ins are welcome, but Reservations are possible and take priority.

Just delightful if you need to study for a test, work on homework, write a poem, or finish writing and designing your Media Kit for new business (coming soon from ALBB!).

March 03, 2023

Howland Public Library Announces March Exhibit In Honor Of Women’s History Month

March 03, 2023/ Katie Hellmuth

To celebrate Women's History Month, The Howland Public Library presents Balance, a group show. The exhibit will be on view in The Community Room Exhibit Space from March 11th - April 1st, 2023. An Artists' Reception will be held on Saturday, March 11th, from 5pm - 7 pm.

The show is the seventh annual exhibit from the group CoMFY, a collective of women artists from the Beacon area. For this show the group chose the theme of Balance. The notion of balance was one of the founding principles when Kat Stoutenborough and Jennifer Blakeslee founded the women’s group back in 2011. Blakeslee recalls that the initial discussion focused on: “How do we, as women artists, balance everyday responsibilities (jobs, parenting, families, etc.) with being an artist? How can we create a space for ourselves where making art can exist alongside those other needs demanding our attention?”

The women came together to share strategies, bounce ideas, and encourage each other. Their one rule was that they could only talk about those other competing priorities in the context of how they impacted their artistic endeavors. “That focus made it possible for us not just to seek that balance, but find it and put it into practice.”

New members are always welcome to join this informal group. Stop by the exhibit to learn more.

The Howland Public Library is located at 313 Main Street, Beacon NY 12508. The Community Room Exhibit Space is open during regular library hours. Please note the gallery may not be accessible during some library programs.