We at The Laurel are proud of The Hudson Library. This 142‑year‑old community cornerstone has appeared in nearly every issue we’ve published. It’s a place where minds and souls are enriched, lessons big and small are learned, a trusty wireless signal is always available, and, let’s face it, plenty of gossip is exchanged. It’s catnip for curious minds like ours and our readers.
That’s why we’re thrilled to see the Hudson Library Foundation making strong progress on its capital campaign for interior and exterior renovations. What began in 1884 as an enclosed bookcase in a schoolhouse evolved into an essential part of the community. In 1915, a 1,300‑square‑foot building – constructed for the princely sum of $553 – became the library’s home. The town joined in, carrying books by hand from the schoolhouse to Main Street.
By the mid‑20th century, momentum grew. Between the 1930s and 1960s, fundraisers doubled membership, expanded the collection, and extended summer hours, turning the library into a lively hub of learning and connection. A major leap came in 1985, when the current library was built beside its predecessor. Made possible by a generous bequest from George Watson Barratt, it became a place where local artists could share work alongside the written word—a cultural anchor that continues to shape Highlands’ creative spirit.
Now, more than a century after that first bookcase, the Foundation is undertaking its most ambitious project yet: a comprehensive renovation to ensure the library remains a vital resource for generations to come. The plan strengthens what the community loves while reimagining what a 21st‑century library can be. Study rooms and meeting spaces will be expanded and enhanced, and outdated furniture and shelving replaced with modern, functional designs. A dedicated young adult area will offer teens a comfortable place to study, socialize, and simply be themselves.
Outdoors, the grounds are already being transformed into a welcoming gathering place. The fully funded outdoor phase is now under construction and on track to open for use this summer, complete with a covered pavilion, walking trails, benches, and landscaped nooks that invite patrons to read, meet, and reflect amid Highlands’ natural beauty. “We extend a heartfelt thank you to all the donors helping make the outdoor improvements possible, as well as the Town of Highlands, Futral Enterprises, Summit Architecture, Hank Ross Landscape Architecture, Bryson Grading, and Tate Landscaping,” says Foundation Chairman Philip Curcuru.
As this work moves forward, the Hudson Library Foundation continues fundraising for the next phase: the interior renovations, with approximately $900,000 still needed to bring that vision to life.
Donations may be made at hudsonlibraryfoundation.org, by email at highlandshudsonlibrary@gmail.com, or by check with “Capital Campaign” noted on the memo line.
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