About: The Bedford Free Library, housed in a white cottage-esque house on the Village Green, began as a little reading room in one corner of what was once the Bedford Academy.
Way back in 1807, under the leadership of Eloise P. Luquer, a small literary coterie in the town rented a single room in that building. They furnished it with a rug, a few chairs and bookcases, marking the beginning of the Bedford Free Library.
Over the years, books began to trickle in from places like the St. Matthew's Parish Library at the Bedford Post Office and from the State Circulating Library, until the growing collection filled the remainder of the place.
On March 19, 1903, it opened its doors as the Bedford Free Library. It has served town residents since.
Director: Ann Cloonan. Her e-mail address is [email protected]
Hours:
Monday - Friday 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Saturday 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Sunday: Closed
Services: The public can use a copier (both regular and color), a fax machine and laminating services for a nominal fee. The use of computers and wireless Internet is free.
Membership: Membership cards are issued to the residents of Bedford Village, free of cost. As an affiliate of the Westchester County Library System, it also serves any card-holding member of the county library system. However, for out-of-towners, there is an annual membership fee of $75 to use full library services.
The East Hampton Library has served the community for over 110 years. As the needs of the community grew, it evolved with the times, making way for a modern research library, an extensive collection of DVDs, and study nooks amongst oak bookcases. The building, which became its home in 1912, has been added onto seven times and another expansion is planned and pending village approval. The Long Island Collection holds many rare documents and artifacts, including a piece of cloth that Captain Kidd gave to Mrs. Gardiner during his trip to Gardiner's Island in 1699, an Indian bible dating to 1685, and the Thomas Moran Biographical Art Collection. With a wide array of programs, the library attracts high school students studying for exams and authors working on their novels.
Rockland Jewish Academy is a Jewish day school that provides children in pre-school through fifth grade with a secular and Judaic curriculum. Rather than splitting up secular and religious studies, the school interweaves religious and Hebrew elements throughout the day. The school is located on the Rockland Jewish Community Campus, and has access to the center's facilities. Before- and after-school programs are also available.
Since 1972, the Rosa Lee Young Childhood Center has served the Rockville Centre community. It is a non-profit organization which is chartered by New York state as a school. It offers programs for toddlers, preschoolers and kindergarteners. It also has after-school care programs for grade school aged children. All programs are also available over the summer. Scholarships and payment assistance are available. It is a member of the United Way Agency.
