In 2025, Kingston Library set out on a simple but ambitious goal: to listen. We brought together residents from across the city to ask one question: What kind of Kingston do you want to live in? Participants included teens and elders, renters and homeowners, immigrants and longtime Kingstonians, people stretched thin by economic pressure, and people running local organizations.

We learned our neighbors have much to say —about connection across the city’s divides, about young people needing more places to belong, about information that doesn’t reach everyone equally, and about what it takes to feel truly at home here.

What surprised us was how much the process itself mattered. The conversations were rich, often moving, and full of moments that reminded us why this work is worth doing. We wanted to honor that fully, so we are sharing the whole story. Read the report to hear what we discovered and how it will shape the library’s work in the years ahead.

Executive Summary

The Kingston Library conducted a year-long listening project in 2025 to understand what residents want for their city’s future. Through community conversations, one-on-one interviews, and a virtual session, the Strategic Plan Committee heard from 43 Kingston residents across age, income, background, and neighborhood.

Clear themes emerged: Residents want stronger connections across the community’s divides, better access to scattered information, more support for youth and immigrants, pathways to economic opportunity, and civic systems that are easier to navigate. They see the library as a trusted hub that can help address these needs.

These findings will guide Kingston Library’s strategic direction in the years ahead, shaping programs and services that center on community voices and aspirations.

Introduction

In January 2025, the Kingston Library set out on a year of listening through a series of community conversations. The process was about “turning outward” and listening deeply to Kingston residents so the library’s future reflects the community’s real hopes, worries, and ideas. Through inclusive conversations across the city, we gathered voices and stories to guide a new, truly community‑centered strategic plan for the Kingston Library.

The project was led by a volunteer Strategic Plan Committee, made up of Kingston Library board members, staff, and community leaders. Because our goal was to be a truly community‑centered library, instead of asking, “What should the library do?” we asked, “What kind of Kingston do you want to live in?”

As a committee, we decided where and when to host conversations through a deliberate process of discussion and voting so that as many residents as possible could join. We reached out and collaborated with community partners including the Hudson Valley LGBTQ+ Community Center, People’s Place Wellness Empowerment Center, and Broadway Bubble, to host.

We spread the word through local newspapers and radio, calendar listings, social media, flyers on community bulletin boards, and word of mouth. Events were free and did not require registration. At each one we showed up eager for what we would hear, with food generously provided by the Friends of the Kingston Library. As everyone munched on bagels and pastries, cheese and crackers, pizza, and homemade brownies, we listened.

Even now, years after pandemic restrictions have lifted, the “loneliness epidemic” continues and we know our neighbors suffer. In this context, simply gathering in a room together is a quiet triumph: choosing to spend time without the constant pull of phones, to talk and to be heard. If that were the only goal, it would be enough. But these conversations also shaped a new strategic plan for the library—one that thoughtfully centers community voices, needs, and aspirations.

We were guided by “Turning Outward,” a framework developed by The Harwood Institute for Public Innovation. It calls on institutions to better understand their communities, reshape internal habits to be more community-focused, be proactive on community issues, and put community aspirations first.

Between conversations, the committee convened one Tuesday a month at the library to process and discuss what we were learning, and to consider how to reach even more people. That is how we decided to add a virtual session so that health, schedules, and transportation wouldn’t be barriers to being heard. This is also how we added one‑on‑one conversations with community and business leaders and other individuals.

We also had a lot of fun, shared more homemade goodies, and got to know one another as neighbors. We began as a committee and emerged as friends.

Who We Heard From

3

partner organizations
6

community conversations

 10

one-on-one conversations
 43

participants
 80

pages of notes

 

We spoke with 43 Kingston residents—long‑time and new—who reflected a range of lived experiences: renters and homeowners, teens and elders, caregivers, local organizers, business owners, and nonprofit leaders. Participants included people who were housing‑insecure and worried about the rising cost of food, as well as people running organizations and small businesses.

We wish we had been able to reach even more neighbors. At the same time, we recognize that in these difficult times, many people are stretched thin, and taking part in a community conversation can feel impossible. As one person shared about their neighbors, “Most people who live in my complex work 3–4 jobs, all paying less than $18 an hour.

“It’s tough because they want to improve things, but they don’t have time.”

Our commitment now is to honor all of Kingston’s residents by distilling what we learned to shape programs that better serve everyone—and to keep listening as we go.

Over the course of these conversations, clear patterns emerged.

Residents, regardless of age or background, spoke about feeling a need for connection, a desire to feel safe in public spaces, a need for better support for youth, elders, immigrants, and small business owners, and a concern about how information, power, and opportunity flowed through Kingston. We noticed that all participants were aligned in a commitment to Kingston and to the well‑being of their neighbors. Often they stayed after to chat; it seemed we all had so much to say.

The following is a summary of what we heard most often and most strongly. These themes form the foundation for the strategic direction of Kingston Library in the years ahead.

Real Connection, Not Silos

Residents are hungry for genuine connection across age, race, class, culture, and politics. Many feel Kingston has become fragmented—newcomers vs. long‑timers, businesses vs. residents, youth vs. elders, different “camps” that rarely mix.

One teen participant reflected on how that fragmentation showed up on their own block: “One thing I have struggled with is gentrification. It was always the culture to throw a block party. Now, there is a culture shift. People don’t just say, ‘hi.’ That’s the culture of NYC.”

Post‑pandemic, social life often feels out of reach, with fewer clubs, youth leagues, and casual neighborhood ties. Participants greatly value—and want more— “third spaces,” where connection still happens: places like the library, city parks, community centers, mutual aid networks, and informal gatherings.

Others see how intentional routines and shared activities can rebuild what’s been lost: “I’ve been here 3.5 years. The way I have built my community is through regular events. I have lots of friends in the bike community, and I go to weekly trivia. Regular activities are where you build community.”

One community leader described “peace cafes” — facilitated gatherings rotating through tables around shared questions — as a model the library could host. Another described how joining a cornhole league led to genuine relationships with neighbors whose politics differed sharply from her own: over months, she watched prejudice soften through proximity. Connection, both suggested, happens less through formal programming than through consistent, low-stakes togetherness.

Another participant described rich traditions her community already carries — salsa and merengue, Carnival and patron saint festivals, tamaladas and asados, drumming circles and outdoor social life. These aren’t hobbies, she said — they are lifelines.

Across comments like these, a picture emerged of a city that still has the raw materials for connection—walkability, third spaces, and neighborliness—but that needs more intentional weaving across the silos. Kingston Library can help by strengthening its role as a neutral “living room” for the whole city.

Service and Volunteerism Are Key to Civic Life

Kingston has a strong culture of service—but many feel we need more hands. There is special concern about engaging younger adults and newer residents, who often want to help but don’t know where to start or haven’t been personally invited.

Some participants reflected on the cumulative value of service: “I want everyone to feel ownership in their community. If I feel like I have an impact, I’ll be more inclined to participate in local events.” Others connected that sense of ownership to empowerment: “This isn’t just a place to live—it’s your community, your home. You should feel empowered to envision what you want.”

For some, service is also a way to respond to pain and injustice when larger systems feel immovable: “I do my part by volunteering on a couple of boards. If someone needs me to translate, I’m there. I don’t know what to do or how to make the country better. That’s why I volunteer, not because I have time, but because I want it not to hurt so much.”

A longtime civic leader named a specific gap: newer arrivals — particularly the 35–50-year-old professionals moving from the metro area — want to get involved but haven’t been personally invited. The Ulster County Chamber of Commerce is already bridging this through its annual “Leap of Kindness Day,” connecting member businesses with local nonprofits. Chamber leadership expressed interest in the library as a partner for channeling more people into service.

Taken together, these voices point to a community that sees service not as charity but as shared responsibility and a path to collective healing. The library can support this by making it easier to discover and plug into meaningful opportunities.

Information Is Scattered; People Want a Central Hub

Residents say it is hard to know what’s happening in Kingston unless you are already “in the know.” Information is scattered across social media, word of mouth, and paywalled news, and does not reach everyone equally—especially people without reliable internet or who are not online.

Organizations work hard but often in isolation, sometimes duplicating efforts. Many people pointed to the library as a trusted, neutral place to anchor a coherent information system. One person imagined: “I think about places like the library, community centers, Radio Kingston. What if we brought them together as one place people know to go—for information and for connection?”

Others echoed the desire for coordination and practical tools: “I would like to see more organizations working together to create an information hub with more resources—a website, mobile app, comprehensive community calendar—for an easy and impactful way to engage with people.”

Residents also pointed to the existing patchwork of information sources: “We’re one of the few communities that still has a local newspaper, though that might not last. The mayor sends out a weekly newsletter, and I wish more people knew about it. There’s also a bulletin board in the library, a community center at the armory, and a senior center with news and conversations.” And yet, even good resources can miss people: “Recently, they put a kiosk outside of [People’s Place]. It’s really well thought out, but if you’re not on foot outside, you’re not going to access.”

These comments strengthen a central theme: Kingston doesn’t just need more information—it needs clearer, more equitable pathways to it, and the library is well positioned to help build that hub.

Inclusion, Dignity, and Who Gets a Voice

People want Kingston to be a place of respect and dignity for everyone—across cultures, languages, incomes, ages, identities, and abilities. One participant described Kingston as “tight‑knit, loving, caring, and resourceful.”

For some, small gestures of inclusion make a big difference: “What’s nice about Kingston is how hard the community tries to welcome Spanish‑speaking people. The mayor’s newsletter is in Spanish, and paperwork is in both languages. We have newspapers and radio stations. I am Hispanic and a naturalized citizen. It makes me happy.”

At the same time, many question whether our talk about “diversity” always matches who is actually at the table. Gaps that surfaced include:

  • Youth and teens are talked about more than directly engaged
  • Loneliness among elders and young people
  • Immigrant residents facing barriers and navigating systems
  • Lower‑income residents and non‑internet users are missing from many planning spaces

In response to hearing from others, one participant summed up a shared aspiration: “Hearing what others are saying, I want to live in a community where members are compassionate toward each other. We should build connections instead of divisions and find ways to collaborate.”

Latin American residents added a spatial dimension: Uptown feels too polished, gentrified in ways that signal it’s not quite for them. Midtown, by contrast, feels like home — diverse and unpretentious.

For Kingston Library, these reflections underscore that inclusion is not just about welcoming language or signage, but about who is invited in, who is supported to stay, and whose voices help shape decisions.

Youth and Young Adults Need Places to Belong

Youth participants name the library as a safe, welcoming place with valuable resources. They want more free or low‑cost spaces beyond home and school where they can hang out, try things, and be themselves.

One teen participant explained, “There aren’t enough activities for young people, not just events but also picnics and other gatherings.” A local mother said, “I have two teenage boys. There is no programming for them. Nothing for them to do.” Another teen participant described third spaces this way: “It’s not your home, and it’s not work. It’s a third space. A lot of time, third spaces come from high school and all the things that come with that, like sports and clubs.”

Homeschooling families feel excluded from school‑based sports, clubs, and events, despite paying taxes and meeting state requirements. Many youth navigate the city on foot or by bike, and worry about safety, lighting, and traffic. Adults also see younger adults as less socially connected post‑pandemic, even as there are signs of renewed interest when they are invited in.

These insights point to a clear role for the library and other institutions: to create more intergenerational, low‑barrier spaces where young people are actively welcomed and included in shaping what happens.

Economic Pressure and Pathways to Opportunity

Housing costs and the overall cost of living are overwhelming concerns. Many residents see lack of housing as an existential crisis. People want access to better‑paying jobs, along with the education and certifications those jobs require.

Working parents, lower‑wage workers, and immigrants need flexible pathways—evening, weekend, or online classes that don’t force a choice between income and education. Immigrant professionals may arrive with extensive experience but face major barriers to using their credentials here. Small business owners find it difficult to locate and navigate grants and support programs.

Economic strain also intersects with transportation and caregiving: “My brother is a person with schizophrenia. He receives HUD support, but I have to deal with every service personally. It should be mandatory for people to ride the bus to see what it’s like.”

Some contrasted today’s conditions with an earlier era: “When I graduated high school, you could have a minimum wage job and afford an apartment. I wish that were still true.” Others spoke directly about barriers to upskilling: “It would be good if we had some opportunity to go to school and get certifications. I went to BOCES and inquired. It would be 10 am–12 pm for 2 years. I want it, but I can’t go at that time and work.”

Amid these pressures, some expressed a broader desire for fairness and transparency: “I want to live in a community with less surveillance and lower rents, where people can actually afford to live. It should be more interconnected, where people care for Kingston and understand how it works, both politically and business‑wise.” Another summed it up: “I think my biggest concern is how expensive things are getting. Such a line between what we can afford and who is buying this stuff.”

Accessing schools, government, licensing, and grants is often confusing and inflexible. These are the kinds of barriers a trusted intermediary like the library can help people navigate more confidently.

The Spaces We Share

Residents link the look and feel of public spaces to safety, dignity, and pride. They want better lighting, clearer signage, maintained sidewalks and benches, plantings, and clean public spaces.

People hold differing views about public art and streetscape design. Some see murals as signs of vibrancy, others as a kind of graffiti that should be limited. Public spaces like Kingston Point Beach are seen as under‑maintained but full of potential. There was concern about visible homelessness and drug use, along with a desire for humane, nonpunitive responses.

Residents described walking routes that feel unsafe at night, bus stops without shelters, and corners where trash accumulates. Others highlighted small but meaningful improvements like flowers planted by neighbors, repaired benches, or a well‑kept block as signals that a place is cared for.

Civic Life is for Everyone

Residents want change to be approached as a “marathon, not a sprint,” with multiyear plans and consistent follow‑through, not just one‑off projects. Some express frustration with how decisions are made and communicated, and want leaders who balance environmental, economic, and safety concerns.

There is a strong appetite for civic learning: understanding how local systems work, how decisions are made, and how everyday people can influence them. People asked for more opportunities to learn about city processes, budgets, and boards—not just in formal settings, but in approachable, conversational formats. This points to a role for the library as a hub for practical civic education.

Conclusion

What emerged most clearly from a year of listening is this: Kingston residents care deeply about their city and their neighbors. They showed up — to community centers, the library, online, and in one-on-one conversations — because they believed things could be better.

The challenges are real. Housing costs weigh heavily. Information is scattered. Youth need more support. Newcomers and longtime residents don’t always connect. But alongside these concerns, we heard a shared commitment to Kingston’s future and a willingness to help build it.

People described what they wanted: a city where neighbors know each other across differences, where young people have places to belong, where information flows clearly to everyone, where economic opportunity is within reach, where public spaces feel safe and cared for, and where civic life invites participation rather than frustration.

These aspirations are achievable if we work together with intention and consistency.

The Kingston Library’s role in the years ahead will be guided by what residents told us. We will strengthen our position as a trusted community hub — a neutral “living room” where different groups can meet, a place where information is accessible to all, a space where youth are welcomed and included, and a partner in helping residents navigate systems and discover opportunities to serve.

We began this listening project with a question: “What kind of Kingston do you want to live in?” Residents answered with clarity and conviction. But listening doesn’t end here. As we act on what we’ve learned, we’ll continue asking, continue adjusting, and continue centering the voices of the people we serve.

The conversations revealed something Kingston already has in abundance: people who care. Our job now is to help channel that care into action.

Committee

 

This project was collaboratively led by a volunteer committee of board members, staff, and community leaders:

Hayley Downs, Gerry Harrington, Lisa Lerner, Margie Menard, Clay Moodey, Susan J. Ragusa, Addie Smock, Sarah Wenk, and Ravin Williams

 Acknowledgements

We are also grateful to the many partners, hosts, and community members who helped make these conversations possible.

Claudia Berstell, Broadway Bubble, Erica Brown, Laura Brown, Lisa Chambers, Jess Davis, Fatima Deen, Holly Gaiman, Andrea Gatzke, Elka Gotfryd, Christine Hein, Richard Heyl de Ortiz, Kwame Holmes, Hudson Valley LGBTQ Community Center, Tony Marmo, Verónica Martínez-Cruz, People’s Place, Place Corps, Radio Kingston, the Rev. Eliacín Rosario-Cruz, Charlie Solidum, Kate Stryker, Teen Action Group, Enma Villacis, and Frank Waters.

Special thanks to Kingston Library staff and board members for their invaluable support throughout this process, and to the Friends of the Kingston Library for their generous donation of refreshments at every event.

And finally, heartfelt gratitude to the many listening session attendees who gave their time and shared with care and honesty. Their voices are the heart of this report.