On August 4th, 2005 Schenectady's "The Daily Gazette" had a lengthy article in their LIFE & ARTS section about plans to move the Altamont Free Library 12,000 piece collection from their current location in the Basement of the Key Bank to the former D&H railroad station. The Library's Trustees have purchased the building from two private owners for $250,000. The station, which was built in 1897 is on the National Register of Historic Places, last saw passenger service in 1964. Restoration plans for the building are estimated to cost between $300,000 and $400,000. These plans call for removing interior partition walls and the drop ceiling in order to regain the one-room open space in use during railroad days. The library also arranged for the return of the station ticket booth, which is at the Altamont Fairgrounds, however the Fair would get the ticket booth back one week a year during the Altamont Fair. The Altamont Free Library has been in the 1,500 square foot basement since 1972. The station, which is a real dream for the Library, will offer 21,000 square feet, not a lot more, but it's central to the village of Altamont, and it will be Handicapped Accessible, which is a major issue since they are in a basement right now. They will be looking for people to help them do restoration work, and if people have old stories about the Altamont Station, or own old equipment, schedules or other souvenirs from the depot's past they'd like to hear from you. Call 861-7239 for more information.
BTW, this is not the first D&H station to become a local Library. Neat way of keeping history around and serving the public at the same time.
