Walking through the doors of the Hoyt Library, patrons now enter into a brightly lit vestibule with newfound illumination that symbolically and literally spreads out in all directions. From the plush seating to its roominess, this Kingston staple is immediately inviting.
    Located at 284 Wyoming Avenue, the library was forced to close following a snowstorm in Februray, 2007 that collapsed the roof, shocking all who drove by and witnessed the destruction. The damage caused the library to close temporarily. Upon re-opening with limited access, the historical building simultaneously underwent a roughly $3.5 million reconstruction project, paid for with insurance and state gaming proceeds. Now complete, the library re-opened to the public in October, and all is well again in the hearts of Kingstonians.
    The homestead, or main building, houses the Adult Fiction section and new books, with a separate room for DVDs and two study rooms. The modern two-story wing has allowed for expansion of library products and services. Adult Nonfiction is located in the new wing, in an upstairs reference center complete with a computer lab. Visitors can now move between floors via stairs or a new elevator. In addition to bringing selected library materials to the centrally located circulation desk to be checked out, a designated self-checkout computer located by the front door can now be used to borrow items from the library. Acting Head Librarian Carrie Murray acknowledged that this innovative service is already very popular.
    Downstairs, a new 1,200-square-foot community room is available for nonprofit groups to gather and hold meetings.
    “Before, we had one small conference room that was being utilized six days a week,” said Director of Development Jane Manganella. “One of the things we really wanted was a community room that could be used by groups without having to be put on a waiting list.”
     The room can seat 50 comfortably and can be divided into two separate rooms. It’s available by reservation at no cost by calling the Hoyt. Book clubs and civic organizations are already beginning to utilize this new space. Wi-Fi is also available throughout the library.
    The children’s wing, located downstairs in the new construction, has been expanded, beginning with a Young Adult section near the new entrance.
    “Before, the Young Adult books were in the back of the Adult Fiction section because that’s where we had room for them. The Young Adult section has been enlarged and given more prominence. It’s definitely being used more,” said Murray. "The kids love it. There are several computers in this section and a large table, perfect for study groups.
    “It’s a wonderful resource for the community,” Manganella said. “It’s crowded all the time. The kids flock here.”
    Luxurious chairs line the wall of the children’s wing, an invitation for parents to read with their kids or to simply relax as they peruse the shelves. Continuing through the Children’s section, the chairs are scaled down to accommodate the library’s youngest guests. Toddlers and preschoolers can lounge comfortably while looking through picture books. Manganella is especially thrilled with this new wing.
    “It’s just so heartwarming to walk in the door and see preschoolers through high school kids utilizing the library,” she said. “It’s vibrant. I love to see that.”
     Children’s programs have already begun, with parent-and-child workshops planned in the near future. Every effort has been made to make people of all ages feel welcome.
    “The elderly have found this to be a very pleasant place to be with their friends,” Manganella said. “We are encouraging people to be at home in the new library. We want them to feel ownership here.”
     A coffee bar that will complement that goal is planned.
    The expansion has also increased the need for volunteers to help library staff. People who are interested in learning how they can help should speak to someone in the area of the library where they would like to volunteer.
    The Hoyt Library's Toward Tomorrow Campaign, headed by Art and Sandy Piccone, raised almost half a million dollars that were needed to purchase the library’s new furnishings. Raising this money in such a tight economy shows the passion the community has for the Kingston library. A second phase of the campaign will begin in 2010. Money is needed to refurbish some of the homestead and to rebuild the library’s endowment. The endowment is necessary for the library to remain open and to continue to add new programs needed by the community. Volunteers are needed to help with the campaign and can call Jane Manganella for more information at (570) 287-2013.

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