Skoufis-Led Project Launches Another ‘Little Library’

NEWBURGH – The Office of Senator James Skoufis (D-Hudson Valley) and stakeholders celebrated the installation of a new ‘Little Library’ in Newburgh’s Chadwick Lake Park on Monday, May 17. The project, a partnership between Senator Skoufis, the North Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters (NASRCC), small business owners, and elected officials to encourage district-wide literacy, includes the installation of six other ‘Little Libraries’ throughout New York’s 39th Senate District in coming weeks.

Little Libraries are small wooden boxes that are constructed in pedestrian-friendly community hubs and act as spaces where residents can take a book and share a book. NASRCC donated materials, expertise, and their time to create the custom-built libraries, which were decorated by local volunteer artists and filled with books donated by local bar/bookstore The Barking Goose and members of the community. Working closely with these partners, Skoufis was able to complete this project in its entirety at no cost to taxpayers.

“This Little Library installation is a testament to the shared values of the broader Newburgh community,” said Senator Skoufis. “Newburgh’s kids and families will now have boundless opportunities to engage with reading as they play and explore throughout the park, helping them develop a life-long love of books. I would also like to thank the owners of The Barking Goose Bookstore Bar & Cafe for organizing generous book donations and congratulate them on celebrating two years in business this month.”

“I want to thank Senator Skoufis and Assemblyman Jacobson for making this Little Library available to the Town of Newburgh,” said Town of Newburgh Supervisor Gil Piaquadio.

“Chadwick Lake Park is an excellent and convenient location for the Library and will enhance the experience for our many visitors.”

“We are so excited to be participating in this initiative,” added The Barking Goose Co-Owner Jenifer Flynn. “Our customers have been so wonderful and generous with their donations of both new and gently used books to fill the Little Library. Sharing books truly enriches a community!”

Newburgh’s Little Library is fully functional and has been registered with LittleFreeLibary.org, which includes a free smartphone app that will allow anyone to easily find Little Libraries on-the-go, map routes between them, save their favorites, and more. Residents are encouraged to visit and enjoy a free read in Chadwick Lake Park.

Special thanks to the NASRCC (Matthew Ross), Carpenters Local Union 279 (Pedro Galaviz, Brian Oberpriller), The Barking Goose (Owners Jenifer Flynn and Lani Ricozzi), and local officials (Town of Newburgh Supervisor Gil Piaquadio, Councilwoman Betty Greene, Councilman Paul Ruggiero, Commissioner of Parks and Recreation and Conservation Jim Presutti) for bringing this installation to fruition. Additional libraries will be installed in Chester, Haverstraw, Highland Mills, Walden, Washingtonville, and Marlboro.