RENSSELAERVILLE — The Rensselaerville Library has expanded, aiming to reach more residents with a new branch in Medusa at the town’s old ambulance building. 

The library held an open house earlier this month, featuring a farmstand, music, food, and drinks. 

“The Medusa Branch grew out of the library’s Strategic Plan,” library director Patrick Wynne told The Enterprise in an email. “Through outreach with residents of Cooksburg, Medusa, Potter Hollow, and Preston Hollow, our Board of Trustees recognized that there were barriers to use of the library.  

“Working with Town Supervisor John Dolce and the town board, who were instrumental in getting the Branch opened, the Public Safety Building was identified as an excellent solution based on location, available parking, one level access — also, the building is near the town’s transfer station and our branch hours are on the days the station is open (Wednesday and Saturday 10am-2pm).”

Wynne said that there is a small collection in-house that will grow with time, but that patrons can order books from any library in the Upper Hudson system for pickup at the branch. The branch also features free Wi-Fi, computer and printer access, community and work spaces, and a children’s play area, he said. 

“Recognizing the extraordinary support that the Rensselaerville Library receives from our residents, we intend to expand services, programs and events at the Main Library and the Medusa Branch as well as plan to hold events in all of the hamlets throughout the upcoming year,” he said. 

Upcoming events include art workshops led by local artist Natalie Boburka, on Oct. 4, Oct. 18, and Nov. 1, with participants asked to register in advance on the Rensselaerville Library’s website.  There is also an eclipse viewing on Saturday Oct. 14 from noon to 2 p.m., a home economics class on Oct. 18 from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., along with Halloween mask-making on Oct. 21 and a Halloween movie night on Oct. 28. 

Wynne became the library’s director in December of 2022, following the retirement of Heidemarie Carle. He told The Enterprise that his background is in nonprofit management, and that his “lifelong commitment to public institutions” led to his appointment.

“I have over thirty years of experience working with disadvantaged and marginalized communities in Appalachia, on the Bowery, in the Northwest Bronx, as well as in Cork, Ireland,” he said. “My volunteer experience is as a member on a public school board, a public land trust, the oldest public hospital in the US, as well as with multiple community-based organizations.”