Welcome to Linda Andrews, our guest editor this week! We’ve long been impressed by the work Linda has done to foster community and support families at Greater Hudson Promise Neighborhood, The Spark of Hudson, and now as the Executive Director of the Family Resources Centers of Columbia County. You’ll find that her love for our shared local library is absolutely contagious. Thanks for joining us, Linda!
Let me paint you a picture: it’s the summer of 2000 in Hudson, New York. I’ve just turned twelve in July. I was born here, and for much of my early childhood my mom raised us in the apartment buildings below Bliss Towers, the low-rise, if you know, you know. Later, when I was about eight, she hustled up enough to purchase a home on lower 3rd Street. That’s where we were living when the library changed my life.
I’m the seventh of eight children, the youngest girl. My mom was doing it on her own, so summers didn’t mean camps and vacations. Most days she opened the door and sent us outside until the street lights came on. My big sister Ella, still a teenager (or maybe she was in her early twenties), was our second mom, laying out our clothes, planning our days, getting us out the door. Some days it was the playground, on the best days, we walked to the Hudson Area Library.
The sidewalks were so hot you could’ve fried an egg on them (though we didn’t exactly manage it). On our way to the library, we’d play imaginary hopscotch and chant, “Don’t step on a crack or you’ll break your mama’s back.” Finally, we’d push through the doors of the old Alms House building, where the cool air hit my face like relief. I’d make a beeline for the water fountain, then scribble my name on the computer sign-up sheet. Hovering nearby, I kept checking to see if the person ahead of me was almost done. And when my name finally got called, it felt like winning the lottery.
It was right after the Y2K scare. The world didn’t end, but at twelve years old, thirty minutes on one of those big, boxy desktops still felt epic, especially because we didn’t have access to anything like that at home. I typed little pieces, played simple games, and, more and more, started writing poems.
Poetry had already become my outlet. My grandmother had passed down a stack of old poetry books to my mom, and I’d sift through them on the couch, reading lines out loud, teaching myself the rhythm. That’s where I found poets like Maya Angelou, Langston, Sylvia Plath, and Edgar Allan Poe. When life at home felt heavy or confusing, poems gave me a place to put it.
Then, that fall, the announcement came over the school loudspeaker: the Hudson Area Library was holding its annual poetry contest. I leaned over to my friend and whispered, “I’m going to win this.” She laughed but I was quite serious. A few weeks later, I walked past the library and saw on the outdoor sign that winners would be announced that night. I begged one of my older sisters to take me but she wasn’t convinced, “Linda, do you know how many kids probably entered? There’s no way you’re going to win.”
The next day at school, they read the names over the loudspeaker. My name was called.
I won fifty dollars and a certificate, but the real prize was confidence. I’ll never forget this moment for as long as I live, the moment that told me my words mattered. It made me want to keep writing, to share my voice, and to believe I could do anything. Out of eight children, I became the only one to graduate from college, and I know that little library contest helped push me there.
Years later, as a stay-at-home mom, I self-published a poetry collection called Black and Bound. A high-school friend, Caitie Hilverman, then serving on the library board, helped place it in the Hudson Area Library’s collection. I brought my kids and nieces to find it on the shelf; we took pictures and I read them a few poems. Full circle doesn’t even begin to cover it.
Today I serve as the Executive Director of the Family Resource Centers of Columbia County. One of the very first places to say yes to our early literacy initiative was the Hudson Area Library. At the time, the Literacy Voyage Program was brand new and had no dedicated funding, but the library didn’t hesitate: “Yes, let’s make it work.” They offered space, welcomed families, and helped us get off the ground. That early support allowed the program to grow county-wide. And thankfully, before the time we officially launched at the Hudson Area Library, we had secured funding—so now Literacy Voyage is offered free of charge at every site, to every child, thanks to collective support from the Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation, Hudson River Bank & Trust, and the Children’s Foundation of Columbia County.
Just this past September, 148 unique children participated in Literacy Voyage. That’s 148 kids who got a story, a STEAM challenge, and a place to belong, exactly what the library gave me.
The library was my refuge, my launchpad, my mirror. You never know which small moment, a story time, a contest, a librarian’s “yes,” will change a child’s life. For me, it changed everything.
Linda Andrews is the Executive Director of the Family Resource Centers of Columbia County. A Hudson native, poet, former educator, and mother of three, she created the Literacy Voyage Program and leads playgroups and workshops that bring early learning opportunities to families across the county. She believes libraries, and the people who say “yes” inside them, can change the arc of a child’s life.
One For Us
Sharing what we’re enjoying for ourselves these days
[Linda] - As a mom of three boys with a baby girl on the way, I know how easy it is to start the day already pulled in a thousand directions. What’s changed my life is a simple daily grounding practice, at least fifteen minutes each morning in quiet prayer and reflection. Those few minutes bring me peace, clarity, and patience that ripple into my parenting, work, and relationships.
[Ashley] - Next week, my husband and mother-in-law are taking my daughter up to Vermont for a few days. I originally wanted to go because of my nonstop fear of missing out, HOWEVER, I listened to my tiny voice of reason and decided to stay behind and recover from the insanity that was September. So far, my plans include using a gift certificate to Bodhi Spa I got for my birthday last year, an epic dinner with friends at Feast & Floret, and a haircut from Annie Montgomery.
[Genevieve] - I’m obsessed with GQ’s 125 Rules for Modern Gentlemen published last month. Not just for men or the masculine-presenting, anyone can be gentlemanly — see: Kaya Scodelario in the Netflix series The Gentlemen. There are so many gems in there, but this one stood out for me: “The small-talk window with your seatmate is before you’re in the air and after you land—anything above 10,000 feet is off limits.”
[Maddie] - I’m giving Old Navy a second look these days. I’ve been wearing these wide-leg jeans with an extra deep cuff nearly everyday, and I’m eyeing the sporty-sleek cardigan that my friend wore to a coffee hang last week. And to really give the people what they want, they’ve finally reissued the pajamas from our household fave Bedtime for Zoe.
One For Them
Sharing what’s making parenting small children more enjoyable these days
[Linda] - We realized how quickly screens had taken over our kids’ free time, so this year, we set a new structure. The rule is simple: no devices in the morning and a two-hour max after dinner, reading, and routines, eventually moving down to just one hour. To our surprise, they often skip screens altogether, choosing to play outside, build, or read.
[Ashley] - My daughter is currently obsessed with “twirly dresses.” She melts down most mornings because her dress isn’t twirly enough. We were wandering down Warren Street in Hudson this past weekend and went into Rebus while my husband was selecting wine next door. She immediately clocked this rainbow dress. I gave in and don’t regret it for a moment. Huge twirl, huge smile, gorgeous dress. Don’t worry, she will NOT be wearing it to daycare. G has us covered there.
[Genevieve] - Anyone else inventory their kid’s fall clothes this week and realize they’ve outgrown every long-sleeve in the closet? I’m not sure why I’m so shocked that children… grow. Anyway, if you also need to restock battle-worthy daycare layers, I’ve found some winners in the Honest 40% off sale happening now through October 19. For example: a five-pack of organic cotton long-sleeved shirts comes out to $4.20 per shirt. Yes, please. Slather fingerpaint on those everyday.
[Maddie] - As cottage cheese’s moment continues, I’m bringing back a retro snack from my own preschool days. I know this isn’t the most natural pairing, but a scoop of cottage cheese in a wafer cone is a pretty ideal toddler snack. No need to fancy it up with anything other than the ice cream cones that crunch like styrofoam — their portability and sturdiness are assets here.
Working Together
The Saint Heron Community Library is offering free access to rare, out-of-print, and first-edition books by Black and Brown authors, poets, and artists. Founded by Solange Knowles as a literary center dedicated to preserving and uplifting vital voices, the library operates on an honor system where readers in the US can borrow these works for 45 days with shipping covered at no cost. This initiative ensures that critical thought and creative expression from great minds remains accessible to all, especially at a time when troubling censorship in the US is continuing to rise.
In the Neighborhood
We live in the Mid-Hudson Valley and we’re keeping tabs on these (mostly family-friendly) events near us. If there’s another event you’d like us to share, please send it our way!
October & November Events
Friday, October 10 - Sunday, October 12 - Field + Supply Market, Kingston
Friday, October 10 - Sunday, October 12 - O+ Art, Music & Wellness Festival, Kingston
Saturday, October 11 - Sky High Biennial Closing Event, Germantown
Saturday, October 11 - Hawthorne Valley Harvest Festival, Ghent
Saturday, October 11 - C.Cassis Makers Market, Rhinebeck
Saturday, October 11 - Erin Claire Jones: How do You Choose, Kinderhook
Saturday, October 11 - Oldtone Fall Benefit Bash, Pine Plains
Saturday, October 11 - Sunday, October 12 - Hudson Open Studios, Hudson
Saturday, October 11 - Sunday, October 12 - Berkshire Botanical Garden Harvest Festival, Stockbridge
Sunday, October 12 - Oakdale Community Cookout, Hudson
Sunday, October 12 - Motherswell Circle, Kingston
Sunday, October 12 - Drawing class with Cone Zero at The Spark of Hudson, Hudson ^
Sunday, October 12 - Super Sphere Giant Kids’ Workshop at Storm King Art Center, New Windsor
Wednesday, October 15 - Whalesback Improv Theatre: Intro to Improv, Livingston ^
Wednesday, October 15 - Wet Wool Felting for Kids, Millbrook
Wednesday, October 15 - Reclaiming Your Space After Divorce at The Spark of Hudson, Hudson ^
Thursday, October 16 - Saturday, October 18 - Ever After Kids’ Consignment Sale, Chatham
Friday, October 17 - Film screening and artist talk with Corinne May Botz, Hudson
Friday, October 17 - Sunday October 19 - Catskill Comedy Festival, Catskill
Friday, October 17 - Sunday October 19 - Return Brewing Honky Tonk Market Weekend, Hudson
Saturday, October 18 - Family Group Hike with HV Adventure Club, Elka Point
Saturday, October 18 - Harvest Festival at Kitty’s, Hudson
Saturday, October 18 - Wicked Wappingers Festival and Parade, Wappingers Falls
Saturday, October 18 - Haunted House Dioramas at Hudson Hall, Hudson
Saturday, October 18 - Children’s Shows at the John R. Kirk Planetarium🪐, New Paltz
Saturday, October 18 - Halloween Costume Repair & DIY Workshop at The Spark of Hudson, Hudson
Saturday, October 18 - Sunday, October 19 - NY State Sheep And Wool Festival, Rhinebeck
Sunday, October 19 - Community Birth Class at The Spark of Hudson, Hudson
Sunday, October 19 - Range of Motion Run Club with Pinkerton’s, Kingston
Sunday, October 19 - Tales from Hudson’s Crypts: The Tour, Hudson
Saturday, October 25 - Spooktacular, Stony Kill
Saturday, October 25 - Sunday, October 26 - Halloween Fest & Parade, Kingston
Sunday, October 26 - Ghostly Gallop 5k, Hudson
Sunday, October 26 - Hudson Halloween Parade, Hudson
Sunday, October 26 - Howl & Holler at Trevor-Lovejoy Zoo, Millbrook
Saturday, November 1 - Women for Girls fundraiser at Isola, Kinderhook🍷 ^
Saturday, November 1 - Children’s Shows at the John R. Kirk Planetarium🪐, New Paltz
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Ongoing Events
Mondays - Wiggles and Words (for 0-6 months) at the Red Hook Library, Red Hook
Mondays - Songs & Stories at Ulster Public Library, Ulster
Mondays - Family Resource Center Playgroup, Valatie
Mondays - Tunes and Tales at the Red Hook Library, Red Hook
Tuesdays - Storytime with Robbie at Starr Library, Rhinebeck
Tuesdays - Family Resource Center Playgroup, Hudson
Wednesdays - Runs with Return Run Club, Hudson
Wednesdays - Catskills Nature Explorers, Arkville
Wednesdays - Kuumba Kids at Hudson Hall, Hudson
Wednesdays - Family Resource Center Playgroup, Valatie
Wednesdays - Dancing Connections and Baby Dance Club at Full Circle, Gardiner
Wednesdays - Common Hands Farm Market at The Spark of Hudson, Hudson
Thursdays - Music & Movement Storytime at the Hudson Area Library, Hudson
Thursdays - Haema pop-up at Return Brewing, Hudson
Thursdays - Family Resource Center Playgroup, Hudson
Fridays - Tunes and Tales at the Red Hook Library, Red Hook
Saturdays - Hudson Farmers’ Market, Hudson
Saturdays - Maverick Family Saturday concerts, Woodstock
Saturdays - Outdoor Yoga (with llamas) at Clover Brooke Farm, Hyde Park
Sundays - Rhinebeck Farmers’ Market, Rhinebeck
Sundays - Farm-to-Table Family Buffet at Random Harvest, Craryville
Sundays - Community Group Run at Neighbor Running, Hudson
Weekends in October - Catskill Mountain Railroad Fall Foliage Train Tour, Kingston
^ = for adults
* = will likely sell out, so book soon
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