Why Schoharie County Libraries Are the Smartest Place to Start Your Next Chapter
Whether you’re a remote worker, parent, or lifelong learner, these vibrant community hubs offer WiFi, workshops, and belonging in every village.
“I want life in here. Noise. I want us to be approachable.” That's Schoharie librarian Yvonne Keller-Baker's philosophy—and 14 years after the rare ‘500-year-flood’ forced them out, her library is bursting with so much life they're looking to expand.
Wes Andrew lends a hand at outdoor science fun at the Middleburgh Library. Because today’s libraries are more than books.
At the other end of Schoharie County, Meg Keaney multi-tasks at her Sharon Springs library, checking out books and answering tech questions while Joanne Fralick, a retired teacher with a flock of grandchildren and great-grandchildren of her own, sings 3- and 4-year-olds back to their Story Time seats. Arts and crafts (and glitter) and snacks to follow. In the lobby, there's a food pantry and free books; a bulletin board advertises local events.
In its past life, the Sharon Springs library was the local bowling alley. Today, it's still a centerpiece for a changing community—a cozy but modern, sometimes chaotic, welcoming space for everyone.
Robyn Ochs, an American bisexual activist, professional speaker, and workshop leader presents at the Schoharie Library.
Libraries are no longer just places to check out books. They're where freelancers set up office for the day, where kids discover Battle of the Books, where newcomers find their first friends, and where job seekers polish their resumes with expert help. The WiFi is always on, and community connections are waiting to be made. All free. And no shushing.
That sense of community hooked Nathan Davis, whose daughter found her place at the Cobleskill Library. Years later, she's a teen still making friends there. So is Nathan—he joined the library board.
Kate Walrath sees her library as an accessible place that welcomes her husband Dylan, who's in a wheelchair, without being asked: "There's a real emphasis on including everyone. It makes me feel like I'm part of a larger community where everyone is valued." Word of warning: like Nathan, Kate's a library volunteer now too. She's Sharon Springs' secretary.
Writers go through agent guidelines at a workshop at the Community Library in Cobleskill.
"We meet people where they are," says Middleburgh librarian Terry Pavoli. Of course that means books, but when people tell her they're not readers, she tells them that's OK. "The library is for you. What do you need?"
Because you can probably get it at the library. And if it's not there? They'll get it for you.
For Families:
Story time, homeschool groups, Battle of the Books
Free museum passes, instruments for little musicians
Teen programs and safe spaces to hang out
For History Buffs:
Local history collections: photographs, memoirs, stories
Access to genealogy resources
For Everyone:
DVDs, CDs, and streaming service passes
Help navigating technology and online services
Community bulletin boards with local intel
Sometimes even with snacks
For Professionals & Job Seekers:
Reliable WiFi and quiet work spaces
Excel lessons, resume help, printers/scanners/fax
Meeting rooms for startups and entrepreneurs
For Connection:
Book clubs, writer's groups, author talks
Yoga, Mahjong, Minecraft, adult D&D
Concerts and community events
Whether you're raising kids here, working remotely from a farmhouse, or just moved to town and looking for your people—Schoharie County's libraries are where roots take hold. You come for the WiFi. You stay for the friends.
Libraries have become places for all sorts of community activities. Valerie Durcharme tries her hand at one—painting—at the Sharon Springs Library.
Find Your Place
Thinking about making Schoharie County home? Your library card is waiting—and it comes with a whole community. Already here? There's probably something happening at your library this week you didn't know about.
Cobleskill Community Library – communitylibrarycobleskill.org
Schoharie Free Library – schoharielibrary.org
Middleburgh Library – middleburghlibrary.info
Sharon Springs Free Library – shsfreelib.mvls.info
Access Free Public WiFi on Main Street in the villages of Schoharie, Middleburgh & coming soon: Sharon Springs!
Root Access is your guide to life, work, and community in Schoharie County. What’s your favorite community resource? Comment below!
