The Monroe Free Library (MFL) is an association or "free" library. This means it is an independent entity free of government "ownership."

MFL began operations in the spring of 1908, organized by "The Friends for the establishing of a Free Circulating Library in Monroe Village." The Library had various homes in the early years.

Then in 1958, using Endowment Funds, land was purchased and the present building was completed in 1960. An addition, which doubled the size of the building, was finished in the fall of 1984.

In 1989, as use by the public continued to grow, the Trustees and Director of MFL decided to commit resources to automation. In January 1991, the library officially went "online," enabling the patrons to expand their search for materials into the Ramapo Catskill Library System and beyond.

Future plans include a new building which will provide much needed space for all aspects of library service. Please click here for a more complete history with photos of the Monroe Free Library.

The Monroe Library Mission Statement

The Monroe Free Library aims to provide, to the residents of the Town of Monroe, in a responsive and proficient manner, open, timely, and equal access to information and ideas for every level of interest and ability from a variety of perspectives and formats.

The mission of the library is to provide a commons environment addressing the need of people to meet and interact with others in the community, to provide access to current topics and titles, fulfilling the desire for satisfying recreational experiences as well as providing information about popular cultural and social trends, and to ensure access to information literacy, helping to address the need to provide skills related to finding, evaluating, and using information effectively.

 

Directions to the Library
From the NYS Thruway (87)
Take Thruway to exit 16. After toll, go west on Route 17 to exit 130. At the end of ramp, turn left onto 208. At the fork, bear right. Turn left at the light onto Route 17M east. Take an immediate left onto Millpond Parkway. Go through the light and the library is on your left.

From Middletown/Goshen/Chester

Take Route 17E to exit 130. At the end of ramp, turn left onto 208. At the fork, bear right. Turn left at the light onto Route 17M east. Take an immediate left onto Millpond Parkway. Go through the light and the library is on your left.

From Warwick

Take Route 17A south towards Greenwood Lake. Turn left at sign for Monroe. Turn left at stopsign onto Lakes Road. Go straight at stoplight at intersection of Lakes Road and Route 17M. Go one block. Make right at light onto Millpond Parkway. Library is on the left.

From Blooming Grove

Take 208 south. At the fork, bear right. Turn left at the light onto Route 17M east. Take an immediate left onto Millpond Parkway. Go through the light and the library is on your left.