Schenectady County Public Library

I come here a lot to use their computers take out movies its a good place. its great for everyone.

This review for the Scotia branch. This very tiny and cute branch library sits in an historic building, which was a private home from the early 18^th century until the early 20^th. It may be, as far as we can tell, the oldest library building in the state (dating to 1707 — the sign in front saying 1730 is inaccurate) — possibly the whole country. When it was converted into the Scotia Library in the 1920s, the librarian’s family lived upstairs for decades, until it was converted into a small community/​reading room after being absorbed into the Schenectady County system; it is now inaccessible because of safety and capacity concerns. Unfortunately the medieval basement, with its many odd additions and nooks and crannies, is also not open to the public, but if you ever get a chance for a tour, seize it.
Because it’s an old house dating back practically to the Dutch period that has had numerous alterations and renovations (there was once an attached small dairy barn), the layout is idiosyncratic. There’s a reading nook opposite the circulation desk, and to get to the children’s room in the back you have to meander through four different rooms. It lacks a bit of lounge space, and has only two computers for public access to both the catalog and internet resources. That said, there’s a comfy and cozy vibe to the place the library patron may well find pleasing on uncrowded days, and the tiny collection does try to address general readership.
The branch has suffered from funding issues, although it’s still open five days a week (closed Wednesdays and Sundays), most days are only part-​time. Check out the Schenectady County Public Library website (
) for current hours. You can still get interlibrary loan from any branch and return items from other branches here.
I will add there’s a huge advantage to patronizing this library for families: it’s adjacent to Collins Park, with its large fields, lake (although the swim beach seems to be permanently closed for undisclosed reasons), and playground equipment and sports courts, and across the street from that is Jumpin’ Jacks Drivein, for your summer gross fast food eating pleasure. Right now they’re tearing up the roadbed on one of the Freeman’s Road bridge spans across the Mohawk for replacement, so there’s a whole string of cheap entertainment for the younger set right now. There’s also a Dunkin Donuts right across the road from the library, although it requires navigating a somewhat weird crosswalk setup to get there, it can be done without reparking the car.