Rensselaer County

Elizabeth Reiss Advice for 2025 : Focus on the Basics | Embrace Change

January 10, 2025 By Corey Aldrich

Elizabeth Reiss, CEO of The Arts Center of the Capital Region is a force of nature. Many of you here no doubt know her or at least of her but many don’t fully understand the energetic impact and momentum she creates in the regional art scene and beyond. Seasoned and confident, Liz is not only a personal mentor to myself and many others but additionally serves as an Advisory Board Member of ACE! who has been connected here since it’s inception. As such, I can’t think of a better person to bring a slice of pragmatic sanity to the barrel we are looking down that we call 2025.

Elizabeth Reiss, CEO at The Arts Center of the Capital Region | Image: Corey Aldrich

Please state your name, title and past experience that got you to where you are today.

My name is Elizabeth Reiss. I am currently the CEO of the Arts Center of the Capital Region.

I’ve always worked in the arts, everything from gallery installer, docent trainer, publications manager to festival producer. What got me here? At the Arts Center? When I was in college I took a painting class. A visiting artist/professor looked at my work and scoffed at it. Told me to stop painting. She and my primary professor laughed. I was humiliated. I never want that experience for someone. Everyone should paint. Sing. Dance. Maybe they won’t end up in a gallery. Every artist belongs somewhere – the walls of MoMa or the fridge. So, I work at a place that celebrates it all. I love it. I’m lucky.

That said, what else got me here? I’m fearless when it comes to thinking I can pull off a project. I’ve opened a children’s museum in NYC, produced an artist-made skate board park in Pittsburgh, and now I’m working on my most complicated endeavor yet – finally developing the upper floors of the Arts Center.

The 2024 FENCE Show in the Jane Altes Gallery at the Arts Center of the Capital Region
Image: Provided

Can you tell us a bit about what a day in the life looks like for you at the Arts Center?

The Arts Center has a much smaller staff than people may think. There are 7 of us full time. So, I spend a lot of time internally, writing & managing projects. I like writing. Our board is really involved, there’s lots of people dropping in. Or, I’m out. I’m old fashioned, I like to meet with people get a little deeper into things. Get to really know people. I spend a lot of my time representing the Center and the region at places like Creatives Rebuild New York, ArtsNYS, or with elected officials. I’m trying to start up a new group – Capital Region Arts Allies, to help the region get more funding. We are all surviving, but imagine if we all had enough resources to do more?

Arts Center of the Capital Region – One of the 2024 Troy Glow Exhibits in Downtown Troy NY
Image: Corey Aldrich

I know in addition to your main gig, you are involved in other supportive organizations. Can you tell us a bit about those roles?

When I started at the Arts Center, I knew we were also an arts council and a regrant site, but I didn’t really know what any of of that meant. So, I turned to my peers and had some fabulous mentors who mentors formed ArtsNYS, a state-wide educational and advocacy group. That led to me to serve as President of ArtsNYS for the last three years which has been incredibly fruitful. The Arts Center was able to distribute a million dollars over two years in grants to our community. Beyond the funding, I’ve met a lot of people. Last fall I invited the Center for Urban Futures (See ACE! Interview with Eli Dvorkin of CUF) here to talk about the arts and artists in the Capital Region. The growth here is phenomenal. The artist population is growing at a faster rate than any other sector. It’s really exciting. I stepped down as President, but will still be finishing the projects that I started, including a state-wide artist survey that ACE!, CREATE Council on the Arts and Siena College collaborated on with the Arts Center. We are just getting to building the research tools for the findings. Stay tuned on that one.

A Young Student Works in the Stained Glass Shop at the Arts Center of the Capital Region in Troy NY
Image: Provided

With a new administration, the end of ARPA funding and the current underwriting challenges for the arts, where do you see things headed in 2025? What in your opinion needs to be the main focus for arts / cultural institutions?

You know, the future is a little uncertain in regards to policy and funding. And so many people are feeling unsafe right now. This is where the rings on my tree may be an asset. I’ve seen this before. Federal funds may retract, state funds will be under strain….but….private dollars may fare better. It’s too soon to tell. One thing I do know…. this kind of uncertainty leads me to my own true certainty – in times of unrest people need the arts. Artists help us understand what we are seeing, experiencing and feeling. Time and time again, when things get tough, people want to feel control. So they start making things again. There’s a reason crafts blew up during the pandemic. It was something to do, sure, but it was something we could do with our own two hands and with our own autonomy. So the arts will forge on. At the Arts Center? Our main focus will be on strengthening our core programming and to continue to rebuild now that the rescue funds have be spent. Yet, we’ll also try to be sensitive to the changes and stay ahead of them. We will be as nimble as possible to serve the needs as they present themselves. That said, we have a few ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) and DRI (Downtown Revitalization Initiative) dollars to spend, so look forward to more public art.

BIG INK Print Workshop at the Arts Center of the Capital Region in Troy NY | Image: Provided

What would you say are some practical suggestions that folks can put to use in their organizations to find a more predictable resource sustainability?

That’s a big question. Lets see…

When funding gets tough, its always good to stick to your core competencies and to deliver them with excellence. If you want predictability, you too need to be predictable. That doesn’t mean you have to do the same creative act every day, but it does mean you have to commit to the same level of care and thoughtfulness in what you bring to the public.

Art Center of the Capital Region – 2023 Troy Art Block in Church Street Alley, Troy NY
Image: Steve Alverez

It’s better to have 100 donors at $10 a month than one donor at $1000 a month even though its a lot more work. Your funding can withstand donors dropping in and out and your programming can stay on track.

I’m also still learning this one – communicate more than you think you need to. People – whether they are consumers or donors – want the inside track. They want to stay in touch. Let’s face it, its hard to get people’s attention, so develop a communication plan and stick with it. Even if no one tells you they are listening. They are.

Youth Photography Workshop at the Arts Center of the Capital Region in Troy NY
Image: Provided

Anything in the pipeline that we should be aware of? Anything you would like to plug that you have coming up?

More and more creatives are moving upstate and they aren’t interested in our old rules of who does what or our outdated regional boundaries. The work week will continue to flow and change, where people go for arts and entertainment will flow and change, and I hope as a community we can work together to reach for more.

Sorry I don’t have anything more tangible. It’s winter. We are all hunkered down. The kilns downstairs in the pottery studio are warm though…

For more info –
WEB: capartscenter.org
IG: @capregionartscenter
FB: @TheArtsCenteroftheCapitalRegion

Working on the Wheel in the Pottery Studio | Image: Provided

ALN’S Steve Lawrence : All the Things, All the Time

January 10, 2025 By Corey Aldrich

My first introduction to Arts Letters & Numbers was through ACE! Our previous ED, Maureen Sager had set up for us to do a ‘Creative Networking’ event there (2019). My first impression was very similar to that of Salem Art Works, who I had done a bit of consulting with when I first left my corporate job in real estate. A hyper creative, renegade spirit with an alluring joie de vivre that attracts highly creative minds and makers. Recently, I went to an opening there and Founding Director, David Gersten invited me to stay for dinner which would be at their newest campus acquisition, La Perla Restaurant. The conversation was rich. David and Steve Lawerence, the Associate Director started passionately telling me about the educational programming and creatively fluid campus style that is developing. I had to share. This type of experiential programming really gets me excited and I am hoping it will inspire you to consider new and innovative approaches to what you do.

Steve Lawrence, Associate Director at Arts Letters & Numbers in Avrill Park, NY | Image: Provided

Please state your name, title and past experience that got you to where you are today.

I’m Steven Lawrence, and I currently serve as the Associate Director at Arts Letters & Numbers (ALN) in Averill Park, NY. My journey here has been shaped by a blend of being a tradesman, artist, educator, and psychologist. I ended up at Arts Letters & Numbers because I changed the heating system during a stint of contracting after retiring from the classroom and working on post-grad work.

After high school, I found my way into the trades as a plumbing and heating contractor. I ran my own company for several years before transitioning into becoming a licensed NYS teacher in 2009. I spent 12 years abroad teaching History, English, and Psychology across international schools in Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and China. Whatever the system I was teaching in, I focused on creating learning environments that nurture both intellectual and emotional growth. I quickly found that of all that I “taught”, the teaching of meditative practices to students was by far the most important. Through this, and my work outside the classroom in therapeutic settings, I’m now pursuing my PhD in Psychology at Saybrook University (C.A.) specializing in transpersonal psychology and the hermeneutics of meditative expressions as viable treatment.

I’ve always been passionate about the power of craft and the arts in shaping the future. At ALN, I’m working to bridge the worlds of arts, trades, and academics, helping students connect with opportunities that are both practical and creative. The skills students develop in these fields will play a crucial role in shaping their future – just as they did for me.

Arts Letters & Numbers – Resident Artist / Dancer Emma Bäcklund | Image: Zelé Angelides

Can you tell us a bit about what a day in the life looks like for you at ALN? Also, maybe a bit about the diversity of programming you have going on…

My days are a mix of community engagement, creative collaboration, and facility and program development. As Associate Director, I work on fostering connections with local educators and organizations, helping to expand our hands-on learning opportunities across arts, trades, and experiential programs. We have the privilege of a wonderfully supportive team and community that play a critical role in the success of any project associated with ALN.

A big part of my role is supporting artist residencies, where we provide them with space to create and collaborate. These residencies are about fostering the artistic experience, connecting artists with the community, and creating a space for cross-disciplinary exchange. Additionally, the maintenance of facilities could take an afternoon or two, keeping up houses, apartments, studios and the Mill.

La Perla Restaurant and the Gregory House Inn, Part of ALN’s Growing Campus | Image: Provided

La Perla Restaurant, which was opened under the ALN banner in August 2024, has been an exciting addition to the project. The restaurant brings in not only local people from the community, but musicians, poets, and guests that stay at at the Gregory House Inn.

Arts Letters & Numbers Workshop / Educational Programming | Image: Provided

I am always struck by the quality of offerings that I see happening at ALN, real intellectual stuff juxtapositioned nicely with get your hands dirty, maker oriented programming. What’s the organizational philosophy that you have to drive the selection and balance?

Our philosophy centers on the belief that intellectual exploration and hands-on creativity are most impactful when combined. We intentionally balance thought-provoking programs with maker-oriented experiences to create a dynamic, holistic learning environment. Our aim is to balance thinking with making.

Arts Letters & Numbers Workshop on Campus | Image: Zelé Angelides

Our approach is interdisciplinary, connecting different fields to foster deeper understanding, while also encouraging collaboration across disciplines, enriching both intellectual and creative work. We prioritize personalization, offering opportunities for participants to engage in both deep reflection and tactile creation, to explore their passions in diverse ways. Add to that our moto: “Yes, in advance.” and “If we know what it’s going to be we don’t do it”. Very often that’s all anyone needs, it’s so remarkably simple. It’s not easy, but it’s simple.

We also ensure that our programs have a community impact, providing real-world relevance and opportunities to engage with the local environment.

Art Letters & Number Mural Project for Doors of Hope with Partners: Rensselaer County Mental Health Student Assistance Program (SAP), and the Nopiates Committee | Image: Provided

I am especially interested in your pursuit of educational integration, IE working with non-campus based populations, academic institutions and other arts organizations. Can you sketch out what the ALN vision is there, and how you are continuing to expand that approach?

Our vision is to create a network where learning is not confined to traditional settings but extends into the broader community. Our approach is centered on connecting students and artists with real-world opportunities that span across any discipline imaginable. We are committed to collaborating with local schools, such as Big Picture Learning in Schenectady, the Averill Park School District and Berlin Central, to bring experiential learning out of the classroom through internships and hands-on programs. We also have a strong connection in secondary education with R.P.I., Russell Sage College, The Cooper Union in New York, as well as a range of international institutions. These connections are a testament of the life and career of David Gertsten, the Founding Director and President of ALN.

Arts Letters & Numbers Founding Director David Gertsten Does TEDx | Image: Provided

2018 ALN Collaboration : ‘Future Unknown’ Chancellor’s Summit held at
The Central Academy of Fine Arts (CAFA) in Beijing, China | Image: Provided

We’re deepening these collaborations to develop more integrated programs that connect craftsmanship, creativity, and theory as a sort of global exchange. This allows us to create rather unconventional pathways to learning and individual development. ALN is evolving into a truly interdisciplinary and transnational model. I wouldn’t say we’re building a school, it’s more like we’re working to supplement a learning experience that students want and typical schools can’t always provide. Schools have been open to working together. Generally, any hurdles are pragmatic, working through a system one issue at a time and sticking with it. ‘No’ can’t be an answer, sometimes.

Arts Letter & Numbers Film Project Collaboration with Youth FX and the
Albany High School’s Social Justice Theater Program | Image: Provided

It’s all very collaborative, what would you recommend to other institutions who may have an interest in expanding their footprint to have a greater yet practical impact? Thoughts on how to do that sustainably from a resource perspective?

When working with other institutions towards the same ends, it’s essential to focus on creating genuine partnerships that bring real value. Find the people that ‘get it’ and work with them. Starting small with pilot programs or focused collaborations can help you see what works before expanding. It’s also important to find synergies between different partners—whether that’s through sharing resources like space and staffing or finding common goals to work towards. Sustainability comes from creating partnerships that are mutually beneficial, where the collaboration strengthens the work of everyone involved.

When partnering with local schools, businesses, or other arts organizations, we look for opportunities to build programs that are aligned with our style of approach. It’s important to note that these discussions often take months—sometimes even a year—before a project fully comes to fruition. This long timeline is the reality of creating great programs. While planning and discussing future initiatives, we’re also actively carrying out the programs that are already in motion. Patience is essential. It’s important to manage both long-term development and the work happening right now.

We’re always keen to open the space for folks to venture out into their artistic pursuits. Recently a local woodworker took up shop here to get his furniture business off the ground. As ‘compensation’ he lends a hand, using his skill sets to support us where he can. There are ways to be creative about developing transactional relationships.

Arts Letters and Numbers – Teaching Time | Image: Zelé Angelides

Anything in the pipeline that we should be aware of? Anything you would like to plug that you have coming up?

We’re continuing to work closely with local schools and developing community projects that students can be involved in. These initiatives take on many forms, from community-based murals to a community table-building project for the Poestenkill Town Park.

Our residency seasons run from January 15-March 15 and April 15-June 15, where we invite artists from various disciplines to create, collaborate, and engage with the local community. Many are scheduled to arrive, and our application process is still open. You can learn more by visiting our residency page.

We’re also excited to be running our Craft 1o1 project again this year in July and August 2025. It’s our second year running, and we had a remarkable time last year. It’s a unique opportunity for individuals to engage experiences unlike anything I’ve seen, where we engage masters of craft in upwards of 15 different disciplines – from music to masonry, poetry to plumbing. That is to say, musicians learn masonry and masons learn to play music, poets plumb and plumbers write poetry. It’s rather remarkable. We’ll be announcing the open registration for that soon, otherwise folks can plan ahead and join the residency which allows them to participate.

Food Prep at Arts Letters & Numbers | Image: Zelé Angelides

There are a few other exciting projects in development that I’m not quite ready to announce, but you can stay updated on all of our upcoming initiatives by following our newsletter. It’s the best way to stay in the loop and hear about what we’re up to.

For more info –
WEB: artslettersandnumbers.com | IG/FB : @artslettersandnumbers

Joshua Gruft’s Paper Moon : Diverse International Flavor and Happening Community Vibes

November 25, 2024 By Corey Aldrich

Joshua Gruft has shown up everywhere over the last couple of years. DJ gigs for cool parties and burlesque shows, bar based magazine release events, and now…he even has an old school rare book and magazine store called Paper Moon in Troy, NY that has a killer roster of community based music and literature happenings. I caught up with him to get the latest and man, was I out of the loop as to just how cool and diverse a programming calendar PM has going on! We talked about the above and also chatted about leaving a day gig to go full time into the full time entrepreneurial business, creative lifestyle.

Joshua Gruft : Owner at Paper Moon in Troy, NY | Image: Provided

Please state your name, title and educational / artistic background.

My name is Joshua Gruft, and I’m the owner of Paper Moon Bookstore, which opened in March 2024. I hold a BA in Music and Education from City College of New York, and I’ve spent the past 20 years working as a professional musician, promoter, and artistic director.

MC Event at Paper Moon in Troy, NY | Image: Provided

Can you tell us more about your shop? What motivated you to open a physical location. I have worked with you in the past as DJ Mercy. Do you plan on spinning there?

When I launched my own magazine, I noticed how few places offered magazine selections. I wanted to change that and bring something unique to downtown Troy. Paper Moon is a bookstore and magazine shop that features hard-to-find titles and showcases local art.

Paper Moon in Troy, NY has an Amazing Selection of Rare Zines, Books and Magazines | Image(s): Instagram

I have a symbiotic relationship with DJ Mercy, so whenever I’m working in the shop, I’m also spinning. The current shop mix contains tracks from the Jazz is Dead series by Adrian Younge & Ali Shaheed Muhamed, albums from the Smiling C record label, a healthy dose of Donald Byrd & RinseFM.

Event Crowd at Paper Moon in Troy, NY | Image: Provided

The size of the space and format reminds me of things I was seeing in Tokyo a few years ago. Can you dive a little into the current and long term vision for the retail space product mix and social programming?

The shop began as a space for cool books and magazines, inspired by Gagosian Shops’ high-art style and Casa Magazines’ floor-to-ceiling setup. My goal is to maximize every inch to showcase art, host events, and foster community. I’m already bringing together poetry nights, local punk bands, free improv/jazz, noise performances, book talks, and art shows. I’m a promoter by trade, so throwing unique events is my passion—they also help transform the shop’s aesthetics and give local creatives a home.

Sample of Event Flyers for Paper Moon in Troy, NY | Image(s): Instagram

Setting up a retail shop is financially challenging. How were you able to pull that off? Did you have to bring in partners? I am always interested in how folks make these things a reality, so many creatives have dreams of doing creative businesses but don’t know where to start.

Opening Paper Moon was indeed financially challenging. I used part of my retirement savings from my last corporate job to make it happen. I don’t have a team of partners, but I’ve leaned on friends, family, and other local indie business owners for emotional support. I’m also grateful to have Marc Arsenault as my one employee—he’s been running Wow Cool comics distro since 1988, so it’s incredible to fill 40% of the shop with his extensive back catalog of comics spanning different eras and genres.

WOW Cool Selection of Rare Books,Graphic Novels and Comics at Paper Moon | Image(s): Instagram

Poetry Reading at Paper Moon in Troy, NY | Image: Marc Arsenault of WOW Cool via Facebook

Shameless plug: Anything additional coming up we should know about?

The holidays are coming up! Come by and let me help you find something unique and fun for your friends and family. Make sure to tell me you heard about us in the ACE! Newsletter!

For more info or to follow them on Instagram: Paper Moon Troy

METROLAND (NOW) : Revival of a Capital Region Institution

October 9, 2024 By Corey Aldrich

Like the glory days of First Friday, METROLAND played such an important part in the creative discovery of what the Capital Region had to offer. Every week I remember picking up a copy (Usually at Tess’s Lark Tavern) and scanning through it to plan my weekend activities. While there are some other sources of arts and cultural listings in the region where you can find out things that are happening and get good interviews and background (Radio Radio X and Nippertown) METROLAND was always a gold standard for finding out where and what was happening from the above to underground scenes. Musician / Comedian Erin Harkes is looking to bring back that energy and has secured the brand for a new rendition as retooled as METROLAND NOW. The question is, what will she do with it?

Erin Harkes : Musician, Comedian and Publisher at METROLAND NOW | Photo: Kiki Vassilakis

Could you state your name, title and background?

Erin Harkes. Multi-hyphenate 😉 Musician, Comedian, and now publisher!

As an entertainer who has spent over two decades in the capital region, navigating every twist and turn the industry has presented, continuously adapting and reinventing myself along the way. The constant throughout this journey has been the significance of marketing. While the methods of marketing may evolve, the essential need for it remains unchanged.

Many people often ask why I haven’t relocated to a larger city. It’s a complex question. Perhaps it stems from a sense of contentment or, by some accounts, complacency. It’s undeniable that bigger cities offer opportunities that may not be available here, yet I have consistently found ways to create my own paths. Instead of commuting to places like Boston or NYC every time I want to showcase my comedy, I decided to take matters into my own hands by producing shows specifically to provide myself with performance opportunities. I’ve approached music in a similar fashion, and now, I’m venturing into publishing as well with METROLAND NOW.

Historic METROLAND Covers | Photo(s): Facebook

To many of us who have been around the region for a while, METROLAND was a gold standard for the arts and cultural sector (and activism). I was so disappointed to see it go. What made you decide that now was the time to revive that and how were you able to pull that off? What geographic area will you be covering? Topically, what will be the content focus of the publication?

I felt there was a void / vacuum in the area. There are definitely other publications but some are just not an option for me as a performer. I had always had the idea of reviving METROLAND in the back or my brain. I honestly never thought beyond that until this year. It all kind of happened organically through countless conversations with other creatives and folks in the community. We will be covering Albany, Troy, Schenectady, Saratoga and the general perimeter around those four. But we won’t hold ourselves back from places beyond that when the call comes! The focus, for now, will mostly be music but we’re expanding into arts and other entertainment, comedy, community events, non-profit organizations, small businesses, a comprehensive calendar and just see where it takes us! As long as the message is positive, we’ll share it!

I know you started with the idea of being an online publication only and now I have heard murmurs that you are considering bringing a version into print also. Can you tell us more about what that will look like and what the timelines are on that front? Will this be a weekly issue?

I started this idea with NO intention of printing but the more I talked to folks the more I heard this exact phrase uttered: “I miss picking one up.” I really listened to that. For whatever reason, folks miss the physical nature of METROLAND. I don’t believe print is dead but I also don’t see the need for a weekly so we’re going to try for a monthly hopefully starting this month! (October 2024)

A robust and representative publication takes a lot of team work. How big is your current team? Is it mostly volunteers or paid folk? As I recollect, that last version of Metroland ended up closing due to financial issues. Do you have a plan to ensure that you don’t end up with similar challenges?

My current team is about seven folks, including myself. Everyone has been volunteering, including myself. There’s one person who I have been paying out of my own pocket because she does this for a living and has a small child and another on the way, whereas the other team members have day jobs. Everything is transparent; everyone knows who’s making what. I’m actively working on way to ensure that everyone, including myself, gets paid. It’s a priority. The last thing I want to do is exploit artists!

I registered as a non-profit because my priority is to try and help other non-profits in the area – be it venues or general NFP’s – get the attention they might not be able to afford otherwise. I plan on doing some fundraising and getting some sponsors/patrons/donors to help give to the cause. There will also be advertising opportunities that can generate income. My plan to make sure we stay financially viable is to use the resources I have built over my 20+ years in the Capital Region and learn from my peers. I have been offered an incredible amount of support from some of the most successful people in the area and am genuinely humbled by the respect I’ve been shown. I have a big ego and know what my vision is but I am not too proud to ask for help with the things that I haven’t learned enough about yet. It will take a village, but I HAVE that village.

If folks want to be involved on the creative content side or are interested in advertising or being a distribution point, what’s the best way for them to get in touch?

We have received SO many submissions so far. We are working on the best way to filter through them all and give the best consideration to each and are still ironing out a process to make this easy for everyone involved. When it’s time it will be very clear how to do that! Right now we suggest checking the website and the social media. We’re chipping away at the messages we’ve already gotten and asking people to be patient with us. I have amazing volunteers and I am not about to overwhelm them. There’s a fine line between ambition/tenacity and harassment, though. The latter will not be rewarded. Even the most talented folks won’t be considered if they aren’t respectful during this process. Also the core group has to vote unanimously on new contributors. I want everyone to be safe and comfortable with their peers. That is paramount. Contacting ME directly isn’t a good idea, either. Haha! Just trying to make our boundaries very clear.

Shameless Plug: What would you like to share with us? Any things coming up on the horizon we should know about?

Thank you but honestly nothing right now! We just ask that everyone share the website and the socials and keep it up with all the positive messages. I can’t wait to watch this grow and work with our vibrant and talented community!

Finally, know that ACE! has your back! 🙂

LIKEWISE! I look very much forward to working with you guys closely!

For more on the final days of METROLAND previous...check out the article in the Times Union from January 2016 by Paul Grondahl.

The Team at METROLAND – The Final Days | Photo: Steve Jacobs / Times Union

Troy Library : Resisting False Narratives to Build Community Bridges

May 2, 2024 By Corey Aldrich

Laurie Dreyer : Branch Manager & Outreach Coordinator at Troy Public Library | Image: Provided

Please state your name, educational and/or experiential background and what your current title and job description is.

My name is Laurie Dreyer and I am the Branch Manager and Outreach Coordinator for the Troy Public Library. I graduated with a Masters in Library Science and Information from UAlbany back in 2016. But I’ve been working in libraries for a lot longer than that – I first started at a public archive in 2010 where I learned about historical records and archives and I fell in love with the old-timey, paper-based information and keeping it preserved. Then I started working at the check out desk in the Library part of the public library and I learned how much better it was to be able to pass that information along to folks who had a need for it. I became an ‘information distribution coordinator’ and here I am 14 years later, loving every minute of it.

After working the last few months to get our Lansingburgh Branch Library reopened after a flood in December, I spend much of my day looking at calendars and plotting ideas for crafts and programs, buying books, and brainstorming what local organizations and businesses we can work with. The whole idea is to get the word out that the Library isn’t just books, we have loads of events, services and resources that are available to everyone.

Troy Public Library in Troy, New York | Image: Plusbo Mwacher via Pintrest

Can you tell us a bit about the history of the Troy library? Architecturally it’s so steampunk, always thinking about Jules Vernes ‘20,000 Leagues Under the Sea‘ when I am in the stacks…

Mary Hart had the Main library built back in 1897, when books were rare and expensive and needed protection. But the Troy Public Library was started as an organization in 1799, nearly a hundred years before the Hart Building existed and was nomadic, moving between locations like Librarian’s personal residences for many decades. The Lansingburgh Academy building wasn’t even around at that point, having been initially built in 1821 and used as the Lansingburgh Academy for many years until the Library took over the building in 1997. I’m so glad that we have been able to maintain these two important historical buildings while still innovating with the modern city that Troy is becoming. You can read the whole history of the Library, its beginnings and its buildings on our website HERE.

Mabs Enchanted City Shoot for Electric City Couture at the Troy Public Library | Image: Sarah Pezdek

As a young man, the library where I was growing up had an important impact on me. Can you share your thoughts on the current role of libraries in our communities and why they are so important?

As we see an increase in divisive politics and sketchy news stories, public Libraries are more important than ever. The importance of having a place where we know that the facts have been checked by professionals and each item added has gone through multiple rounds of consideration cannot be overstated. In a world of manufactured outrage, it is vital that each community have at least one source of consistency and accuracy. We strive to be that for our community. We have books and they aren’t going away – despite what some folks think – but we also have digital resources like ebooks, streaming audiobooks, music, movies, and TV shows. We have databases that are geared toward kids, toward those who wish to check financial markets, for people researching art, people working on mechanical repairs, and so much more.

If you come into the Library’s buildings, you will find that we have free wifi and computers for folks to use and you can access even more databases, like Ancestry.com, inside the Library. Looking for a job? We have software that you can use that will create a fully formatted resume and cover letter for you. We also lend passes to local museums, have snowshoes on loan for the winter, and blood pressure monitors to keep track of your health. We regularly partner with other local organizations like Capital Roots, The Troy Senior Center, The Sanctuary for Independent Media and so many more to host programs and events and to help promote the services that each of them offers. I really like to think of us as a community connector – we find the information or entity and we tell everybody how to contact them!

Family Friendly Programming at the Troy Public Library | Image: Provided

Embroidery Class at the Troy Public Library in Troy, New York | Image: Provided

I see a lot of interesting kids programming listed on the website. Can you share any best practices on how to get kids engaged into the library world of things?

We have a really active children’s department which is always doing something super fun. A few highlights are our Monday Family Game nights and our upcoming Summer Reading events. For Game Nights, we have a huge selection of family board games at the Main Library, so you can really choose anything you want to play. It’s a great way to test out games that you and your family might be interested in playing or owning. For Summer Reading, we are going to have raptors and reptiles in the library, we are going to be hosting the very fun Whalemobile and Big Truck Day.

Research has shown that kids are excited about reading already, so it’s really up to parents and us librarians to make sure kids understand what they can get at the library. We have tried to make it easy for kids of all ages to get a library card with our MyCard program where kids between 5-17 can come into the library and get a card without an ID or any of the address verification stuff that we make adults give us. I think it is super important for kids to know that we librarians are never going to judge them on what they read, so they can come in and get whatever books they want to read. If they want to sit in the Library and read, that’s fine. We also have a therapy dog, Greta, who comes in on Saturdays and kids can read to her.

Programming Examples at the Troy Public Library in Troy, New York | Image: Provided

Can you tell us a bit about funding sources for a program like yours? Some granularity in this answer would be appreciated and super informative to our audience.

As our Director likes to say, “public is in the name so that means there are no secrets”. As far as bureaucratic entities go, our funding structure is pretty uncomplicated. We are a special district library, which means that the state of NY established the City of Troy as a ‘district’ for the Library back in 2010. So now, we have a budget election every September and we publish a detailed proposed budget so that the people of Troy can make an informed decision.

We do end up using a good deal of our budget toward building upkeep and maintenance, which is what happens when you have two historic buildings that are open to the public. We have an active Friends of the Library group who help us fund specific projects and events, though they rarely can help with capital projects. We are always looking for people willing to bequeath us funding or, as recently happened, to offer a matching grant. As a historically underfunded organization, the Library certainly does what it can with the budget we have. We have been lucky that folks in our administration and on our Board of Trustees are talented grant writers who have really been instrumental in keeping our buildings open.

Author Photo Op with Mayor Madden and Congressman Paul Tonko | Image: Provided

What are some of the current challenges you are facing?

Right now, we are looking for funds to get the Lansingburgh Branch’s Children’s Room back up and running since our insurance claim has been twice denied by the insurance company. We all find this situation pretty disheartening, as our children’s
room was very popular and allowed families to come to the library and sit and read with their children. It was a wonderful meeting place for things like our story hour and other kids programs. And now we have kids coming into the Library who want to be able to play and read and feel comfortable in a space where their parents don’t have to pay to simply sit and spend time with their kiddos.

It has been a difficult few months without that space.

Up and Coming Programs at the Troy Public Library for May 2024 | Image: Provided

Finally, open question…anything you would like to plug coming up that folks should know about? Don’t be bashful…

We are working on a lot of fun stuff for this summer – Teen Video Gaming, Big Truck Day, Quilt Making kits for adults – and Summer Reading. It is free and open to everyone AND you can win fun prizes just for reading!

What we really want to do is to hear from our community about what we are doing well and where we can improve. We have launched a community survey that is going to be up until July 15. Anyone can fill it out, even if you do not live in the City of Troy. It takes about 5 minutes to complete online: HERE. This survey is a HUGE help to us since it helps us prioritize our services and see what more our community needs from us. We hope you’ll consider filling it out.

If nothing else, though, let me just encourage you to stop by the Library and say ‘HI!’ We love having visitors and you don’t even have to buy anything!