The Nook

photo contributed

About 50 people gathered at the Castleton Public Library on Saturday, February 4th to officially inaugurate the Ruth Spieske Reading Nook. Ruth Spieske, who spent most of her adult life in Castleton, was a teacher by trade and a major supporter of the local library. She was on the Library Board of Trustees from 1938-1975!  Mrs. Spieske died in 2007 at age 99, and bequeathed a generous gift to the library. The Trustees thought the best way to honor Mrs. Spieske was to create an area where people could gather to enjoy all the library has to offer. The cozy corner has beautiful window treatments, a colorful rug and four comfy chairs around a table, and has already proven to be extremely popular.

photo contributed

Mrs. Spieske's daughters, Evelyn Dufur and Elaine Short, cut the official ribbon to welcome the reading nook. Several of her former students were also in attendance.  The daughters remembered their Mom fondly, sharing stories of her personal strength and determination and her great passion for the library.

photo by Catherine Sager

State Assemblyman Steve McLaughlin and Rensselaer County legislator Alex Shannon, both strong supporters of the library, were also in attendance.  The Friends of the Library served delicious refreshments. Library Director Amy Peker and the Board of Trustees invite the entire community to come see the new reading area, grab a book, and mingle with the community!