Town’s consolidated libraries to offer patrons more

By Manor Ink Staff

Town of Rockland, NY – There’s more of everything coming to the Livingston Manor-Roscoe Library. Expect more books, cozy reading spaces, preschool discovery areas, expanded summer activities in Roscoe, longer summer hours next year, more movies, large print books, digital databases, tech help for seniors, and new items to borrow – like fishing rods, backpacks, and ukuleles. Manor Ink, the youth-led library newspaper, will also increase its focus on stories with a Roscoe connection.

The new library system is the result of a merger between two nonprofit libraries now serving the Town of Rockland and the entire Rockland Central School District. Both boards jointly petitioned the New York State Education Department, and the merger was formally recognized by the NY State Board of Regents on Apr. 8.

“The libraries began working closely when Peggy McGuire, director of Livingston Manor Library, also took on the role of Roscoe Library Director last August,” said Amy Hines, president of the new board. A Merger Planning Task Force formed after the December school merger vote, working to integrate both libraries. “The hardest part was reducing board size as required by the Education Department,” Hines noted.

Much progress has already been made. “In the past year, both branches have become more inviting and relevant to visitors of all ages,” said McGuire. A community survey is currently underway to gather feedback on future programming.

The Roscoe branch includes additional public computers, comfy seating, a large community table for meetings and solo work and open spaces for activities like puzzles, poetry and coloring. The preschool area has been updated with a bright design and a train table.

At Livingston Manor, new flooring has been installed, and the branch continues to expand its collections across genres and digital platforms. The children’s section remains a popular feature. The former Livingston Manor Library e-newsletter is being revamped to serve both branches with updates on activities, resources, and news. The website is also being redesigned with an updated look, easy access to the full catalog of the 46-member Ramapo Catskill Library System, along with online program and card registration for both branches.

Despite these upgrades, space remains limited. “Each building is quite small compared to other rural libraries,” said McGuire. “We’d like to explore options for expansion.”

Thanks to an anticipated grant, the library expects to purchase the building next to the Livingston Manor branch by the end of the year. “Owning that property will speed up efforts to explore a larger, more comprehensive facility,” Hines explained.

Both libraries have benefited from generous gifts and trusts over the years. Hines and McGuire encourage others to consider including the library in their wills. “Many families have contributed to making Rockland the wonderful place it is,” said Hines. “We’d love to help preserve those legacies through the library.”

The first public vote on the combined library budget and tax levy for 2026 will take place on June 24. Both branches will serve as polling places from noon to 8 p.m. Budget details will be available starting June 12 online and at the library desks.