More Collections

The Library has several Special Collections in addition to our popular circulating collections.

Book an appointment with a Library staff member for research guidance and access to our reference and non-circulating collections by emailing staff@desmondfishlibrary.org or calling 845-424-3020.

  • Fish Family Collection - artwork, books and other print materials, family portraits, and various ephemera related to Fish family members' extensive contributions to New York and United States History from 1700s to present
  • Curtis Desmond Family Collection - artwork, books and other print materials, family portraits, original research materials related to Alice Curtis Desmond's literary career, and original photographs and ephemera collected by Alice Curtis Desmond in her world travels
  • Hudson River Art Collection - Books and artwork related to the Hudson River School of Art
  • Hudson River History Collection - Books, maps, artwork related to the history of the Hudson River Valley.

 

“Garrison Ferry, West Point.” The New York Public Library Digital Collections. 1850 – 1930.

The Library has an extensive print and artwork collection related to the local history of Garrison, Philipstown, and the Hudson Valley. For information on booking an appointment for research guidance and access to some of our non-circulating collection, please email staff@desmondfishlibrary.org or call 845-424-3020.

To access some of our digitized local history materials, check out our Online Guide to Local History Resources linked below.

Talking Book + Braille Library

The New York State Talking Book and Braille Library (TBBL) is a free lending library available to individuals living in the Hudson Valley, who have difficulty reading standard print due to a visual impairment, a physical disability, or a reading disability. While TBBL’s mail service is temporarily on hold, we recommend library patrons register for the free downloading service called Braille and Audio Reading Download (BARD).

What is BARD?

BARD is a free web-based service from the National Library Service that provides immediate access to audio and electronic braille books, magazines, and music scores. Thousands of resources are accessible any time of the day. With BARD, there are no waitlists and no books to return.

Reading materials can be downloaded through the BARD Mobile app which is available for iOS and Android devices. TBBL patrons may also download titles through the BARD website and read using a TBBL digital talking book player or third party player.

Apply for BARD

  • First, apply for TBBL service – To qualify for BARD, you must first be a TBBL patron. If you are not a TBBL member, please complete and submit an application for TBBL service. Please note that in cases of blindness, visual impairment, or physical limitations, a library staff member may serve as “competent authority” to certify a patron’s application.
  • Current TBBL Patrons May Apply for BARD – Please complete the short online application found here for access to BARD:

BARD applications will be approved as quickly as possible. New BARD members receive login information and directions for downloading after registration. Please visit the New York State Library website to learn more about TBBL service.

Library of Things

The Library currently offers a variety of “Things” for Philipstown residents to check out in addition to our traditional print and media collections.

The majority of items in the Library of Things can be checked out for two weeks at a time and are eligible for up to two renewals if another patron is not waiting on the item. Items in this collection are subject to overdue fines of .50/day and a replacement fee if the item is not returned within two weeks of its due date. A Loan Agreement must be signed on check out and return in person at the Library’s circulation desk. Items may not be returned through the outside book drop.

Our current Library of Things includes:
T-Mobile Hotspots
HP Laptops
Bose Microphone
Digital Video Camera
Kindle e-Readers
Kill-A-Watt Power Meter