To the Editor:

I sent a letter to Tim Burke, thanking him for his work with the Upper Hudson Library System at his retirement [Altamont Library Notes, The Altamont Enterprise, March 20, 2025]

I told him some of the things that libraries have meant to me.

As a child, I lived too far from the public library in downtown Colorado Springs to be a frequent visitor. Fortunately, my mother had been a teacher in her one-room country school in Kansas when she graduated from that same school. She subscribed to a children’s activities magazine, which I enjoyed.

Later, I discovered school libraries. I could enjoy my favorite horse stories with realistic illustrations, which I copied to teach myself to draw.

At Colorado State University, I spent many hours doing research and studying in the Veterinary Medical Library. My major, bacteriology, was in the Veterinary School. The library was a quiet, bright place to work (and sometimes nap). I spent time there both as an undergraduate and as a graduate student.

When I had children, we enjoyed libraries on Long Island. All three children liked books. We read to them until they could read on their own. I found I also liked to read children’s books, especially ones about libraries, museums, and mysteries. Many are very well written. Favorites are “The Secret Garden” and “Anne of Green Gables.”

At the Bay Shore Library, I saw a display of Japanese brush painting (Sumi-e). I liked it so much that I inquired about the artist. I took lessons from her first in the library, then later at her studio.

When we moved to Westerlo, I taught that painting style to various art classes in schools in the Capital Region through the Board of Cooperative Educational Services.

I’ve taught and exhibited paintings and art quilts in libraries.

When I got interested in ancient Goddess Cultures, I found books on the subject on a high shelf in the Bethlehem Public Library. I wrote my own mini-book on the subject after I studied those books.  They also had a large selection of oversized art books I studied.

When we started the Westerlo Library, I donated some books. Later, I served on the library’s board of trustees.

Tim Burke came to give us some training. The staff of the Upper Hudson Library System are very helpful. I don’t use the computer so they are always willing to look up things for me. They will even deliver books when health problems limit my mobility.

The library is the source of books and movies, community activities, books and bake sales, and more besides.

I feel libraries are vital to the community.

Lila Hollister Smith

Westerlo