12 Things To Do At The Library
From getting a passport to finding A prom Outfit, Head To the Howland Public Library
Beacon’s Howland Public Library, 313 Main Street.
As a child many moons ago, a visit to the library was an essential weekly ritual for me, my mom, and Sandy, our feisty, little West Highland Terrier. We’d arrive there every Tuesday after school, and mom would tie Sandy’s leash to one of the building’s railings. We’d then sprint inside with mom declaring, “Okay, 10 minutes and meet you back here,” before running to the adult book room while I headed straight to the kids’ area.
Why the rush? Well, Sandy had serious FOMO which caused him to bark ceaselessly until we got back. It was a competitive sport between mother and daughter to see who could return first with a pile of books in hand—thus soothing Sandy’s anxiety and our nerves.
Though incredible, the libraries of yesteryear were not the libraries of today. And when it comes to Beacon’s Howland Public Library (313 Main Street), there’s no way you’d want to just dash in and out when there’s so many rich and useful things to do here.
I recently met with Gillian Murphy, Director of the Howland Public Library, and with Michelle Rivas, Adult Services and Community Engagement Librarian, to explore all the ways this local library can enrich your life.
Need a passport? Check. Want some tech help? Check. Looking to learn something new and build community? Need some oregano to add to a chicken dish you’ll be cooking? A prom outfit? You can find all this and more at the Howland Public Library.
Borrow A Book, Obviously
Step inside and explore all the ways to enjoy the library.
It goes without saying that you’ll find an abundance of books for adults and kids of all ages at the Howland Public Library. If they don’t carry a book you’re looking for, a librarian will be able to order it for you in most cases. Plus, there’s access to e-books, audiobooks, comics, movies, music, and more through Hoopla and Libby.
Get Your Passport on Main Street
You can get a new passport or renew your old one at the library. The library receives $35 for every passport application processed and $10 for every passport photograph taken. It’s not only ridiculously convenient, but the library benefits, too. According to Gillian, this service has brought in $10,000 since its inception; funds used to help support programming. This service is continuing in Beacon contrary to what may have recently been reported.
Discover The Library Of Things
If you haven’t yet come across the Library Of Things, now’s the time to find out what it’s all about. Whether you’re looking to borrow a sewing machine, power tools, a cornhole game, even a ukulele (it is Beacon, after all!), there’s a good chance you’ll find it at the Howland Public Library. Just like a book, you can check these items out if you’re 18 years or older and have a library card in good standing.
Gillian explains, “The idea is patrons can borrow something they might normally borrow from their neighbor, or something they may be thinking about buying, but would like to try out first. It’s also very popular with parents hosting kids’ birthday parties, looking to borrow big games they don’t necessary want sitting in the house all year round!”
Learn Something New
A quick peek at the library’s calendar reveals the breadth of what’s on in any given week. There’s something for everyone, from Cybersecurity Basics, Mah Jongg For Beginners, Write Today Beacon to kids’ programs like the Chess Club for grades K to 12 and Reading To Dogs to help build young readers’ confidence.
Graduates and tutors of the recent Mah Jongg for Beginners class at the Howland Public Library.
Betty Wall, who recently led the super popular (and waitlisted) Mah Jongg For Beginners sessions, said, “I wish there had been this type of class two-and-a-half-years ago when I wanted to learn how to play Mah Jongg, because it’s not an easy game to learn. The Howland Public Library, and Michelle Rivas in particular, did a wonderful job organizing and providing everything needed to make it successful.
“I’m very proud of the people who attended the class,” Betty continued. “And I think all the participants enjoyed the course, even though they found the game challenging at times.
“And now that this group knows how to play, there’ll be continued opportunities for them to meet up and play together and forge new friendships — which is wonderful for the community.”
Classes often get filled up quickly, so it’s important to register for any you want to attend. Be sure to add your name to the wait list if the class is already full as it helps the library team understand if another one is merited.
You’ll find their up-to-date calendar here.
Borrow A Museum Or Park Pass
The Museum & Park Pass program is one of the library’s most popular offerings. Just like a book, you can borrow a pass to visit a host of destinations across the Hudson Valley and beyond. With an Empire Pass, you can visit Storm King Art Center, Dia Beacon, Franklin D Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum, MASS MoCA, the Guggenheim, even get unlimited day-use vehicle access to most facilities offered by the NYS Office Of Parks. While Dia Beacon is already free for Beacon residents, this is a handy benefit to keep in mind if you have guests.
Get Tech Help
Learn the skills you need to become a little or a lot more tech savvy. The Tech Help desk is there at the library to offer support in basic computer skills relating to email and the internet if you get stuck with an issue, how to use the library resources like Overdrive, Hoopla, Libby, or devices such as e-readers, tablets, and smartphones. It’s offered in English and Spanish. Just book an appointment online. There are also plans to begin outreach at Beacon’s Senior Friendship Center to help local seniors navigate tech issues they may encounter.
Support The Community Fridge
You can share what you have and take what you need seven days a week during opening hours at the new community fridge, a collaboration between Fareground and the library. Neighbors are encouraged to donate fresh, healthy foods, especially fruits, vegetables, breads and baked goods, pasteurized dairy products and diary alternatives, and packaged or prepared meals from grocery stores or restaurants. There’s an Acceptable Items list to peruse or just ask a staff member for a full list of accepted items.
Last month, NY State Assemblymember Jonathan Jacobson presented the library with a $10,000 grant that will allow the team to update their space at 307 Main Street and transform it into a community hub and pantry, and to bring greater resources and programs to the community. Watch this space for further developments.
Pick Up A Prom Outfit
You would have been forgiven for thinking a new clothing store had opened if you walked past 311 Main Street last year. That’s because the library hosts a Prom Outfit Swap in the spring for anyone attending Junior or Senior Prom that season. Party outfit donations are gratefully received in advance. Some of Beacon’s kind-hearted clothing stores, including wedding destination, Lady Gray Bridal (274 Main Street), generously donated more than 20 pristine dresses for the event. Prom attendees get to choose one outfit each. Sign up for the library’s newsletter to make sure you know when the next Swaps are happening.
Get Adventurous With Spices & Seeds
Anyone seeking to experiment with herbs and spices will be happy to know the library also houses a Spice Library. Before investing in a whole jar of dried basil, for example, sample some at the library and see whether it’s something you want to make space for in the pantry. Equally helpful is a Seed Library where you can take seeds and see what you can grow. If your experiment is successful, save the new seeds and return them to the library for someone else to pick up and do your bit to live lighter on the planet.
See An Art Exhibition
The community always shows up for exhibitions in the library’s Community Room come rain, snow, or shine. Announcements are usually made on their social media, so be sure to follow them on Instagram and Facebook for new show announcements.
Book The Study Room
Book the Study Room online if you need a quiet space to complete your tax returns, take a virtual meeting, or gen up before a big exam. You only need to be a library cardholder. The space can hold up to six participants and can be reserved for up to 90 minutes.
Go On A Field Trip
Beacon is home to an abundance of creative, independent businesses and a robust arts community. There’s so much to discover about the people and their processes. That’s why the library’s Field Trips are such fun. Past visits have included a behind-the-scenes tour of Dia Beacon, KuBe Arts Center, Hudson Beacon Glass, and a demonstration by Beacon Tintype (149 Main Street) owner, Oren Cohen, of the methods he uses to create his heirloom portraiture with tintypes and ambrotypes.
Support The Library
Beacon Reads bookstore (309 Main Street) is operated by the Friends Of The Howland Public Library.
A well-resourced and creative library doesn’t happen by accident. It takes community support and engagement to bring these rich programs to life. Here are ways you can help the Howland Public Library continue to be an invaluable resource to Beacon, according to Michelle:
1. First and foremost, sign up to the newsletter
2. Bookmark the calendar to keep up with what’s on, or stop by and pick up a paper copy
3. Have a program or exhibition idea? Pitch it here.
4. Spread the word and tell a friend if you’ve used a library resource and enjoyed it
5. Stop in and explore if you haven’t visited the library for a long time (or ever!). You never know what you might find.
6. Visit Beacon Reads—the library’s fundraising bookstore right next door—and pick up a book or donate one. Thanks to its volunteers, the store raised $15,000 in 2025 to help the library support projects not covered by its operating budget.
Have Your Say On The Future Of The Library
Big developments are in the works for the Howland Public Library, so now’s the time to get involved. In March, a charrette (stakeholder workshop) is planned to address the library’s future; its long-term needs, its location, and other library resources the community would like to see.
Plus, save the date for Thursday, April 30th when every Beacon taxpayer can vote on the 2026 Library Budget as well for its board membership. Be sure to have your say if you’re a library user and care about the inclusive community the library fosters and the importance of free, equal access to information and education for everyone. Sign up to the Howland Public Library’s newsletter for more information on these upcoming dates.
So, take a few minutes to stop in and see what you’ve been missing if you’re passing 313 Main Street and haven’t visited the library recently. You won’t regret it.
And for all good things in Beacon, NY, visit our website, Events Guide, and directories to discover where to shop, eat and drink, and explore other essential services like the Howland Public Library.
Until next time…
The Beacon Beacon🧡
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