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Mission Statement

The mission of the New Woodstock Library is to provide free unrestricted access to publicly available library and information resources, so that opportunities for personal growth and enrichment are available to all. As a fully participating member of the three-county Mid-York Library System, New Woodstock shares resources with more than 40 public libraries in Madison, Oneida, and Herkimer counties. Through inter-library loan, shared technical expertise, and inter-library cooperation, New Woodstock makes available to residents virtually all the materials owned by system member libraries.

New Woodstock has been designated an Advanced Electronic Doorway Library by the State Education Department. Copying, faxing, computing, and other essential community information services are available on-site. Modern information technologies blend with personal attention to bring the advantages of the information age to this traditional rural family-oriented public library. The World-Wide-Web, online information access, and numerous topical databases are available for research, education, and entertainment.

Programs for children and adults are scheduled throughout the year. A series of art and cultural themed exhibits run continuously during the year. The library has books, large print books, magazines, books on audiocassette and CD, music audiocassette and CD, videos and DVDs for all ages and reading abilities. Also, bestsellers, classics, art books, encyclopedias and reference materials are available. Children are encouraged to use the library for homework, research, and reading.

The library also retains a certified professional librarian and part-time staff. A seven-member Board of Trustees develops long range plans and policies and oversees library operations.

LONG RANGE MISSION AND GOALS

In support of the mission of the New Woodstock Free Library “to provide free unrestricted access to publicly available library and information resources, so that opportunities for personal growth and enrichment are available to all,” the library will cooperate with school, literacy and social agencies to provide support and assistance in service delivery to Southern Madison County Residents. Home schooling families are encouraged to promote reading by regarding the library as the source of supplemental reading materials, in support of curricular plans.

The library promotes life-long learning through the maintenance of a collection of historical, reference and resource materials, as well as a dedicated family research room (in process). The library is committed to providing all citizens with the resources necessary to continue intellectual and cultural growth through a series of art and information exhibits on a broad variety of subjects.

Newer technologies such as e-Books, audio books and other online resources will be available through participation in the Mid-York Library System consortium of public libraries in Madison, Oneida and Herkimer counties. Computers, software and Internet access will be provided free of charge. The library will encourage the development of new electronic services, broadband in-library connections and up to date hardware. Wi-fi connectivity will be available to all library visitors.

Our children are our future. The library is committed to providing educational, developmental programs and materials for children and their families. Reading and learning will be encouraged: comfortable, appropriate space and facilities will be available for homework and personal interest research. A year-round weekly program for young children will introduce the library as a safe, interesting and fun place to be. A summer program of performances and special presenters (such as fire and police interactive visits) will bring entertainment and interest to children of all ages. The library is known as “the Growing place” because of the emphasis on providing practices that encourage personal enrichment and expansion of library services and facilities.

Exhibits Committee Mission

The New Woodstock Free Library Events and Exhibitions Committee serves a vital role in bringing the benefits of cultural, educational and informational programming to our rural community, so that “opportunities for the personal growth and enrichment are available to all.”

By offering a rich and varied selection of arts, education and entertainment formats, the public library fulfills one of its most fundamental purposes – to provide all people, regardless of income, age, race, gender, ability or location, the opportunity to enjoy a quality of life equal to that of any other New York State resident.

The public library is the “cultural leveler,” in the same way it is the access to information leveler in our pluralistic democracy. By bringing culture to the county, the library ensures that in New Woodstock, you can enjoy arts and entertainment without having to forsake the charms of life in the country for life in the city.

Contact the library (315) 662-3134 for additional information.