1913:    The library was founded by a group of local citizens.  It was housed in a wing of the Arthur Closson store which was situated where the Hillsdale Supermarket now stands.  It was the second library in Columbia County.

1913:  First librarian - Jane Holmes  

1914:  The Library had a yearly circulation of 2,623.

1919:  Miss Flavia M. Bristol bequeathed $30,000 to build a public library.

1924:  Current library building was erected.

1925:  Official opening date January 3, 1925

1930:  Librarian - Curtiss B. Herrington

1935:  Librarian - Beatrice H. Harvey

1940:  Librarian - Jeanette Wyckoff

1944:  The Library had a yearly circulation of 3,550.

1957:  Route 23 was resurfaced and the library lost its well.

1957:  Roe Jan Lion's Club - gift of large print books.

1959:  The Mid-Hudson Library System was formed.

1965:  Librarian - Kenneth Annabel

1972:  Library Director - Carol Briggs

1973:  Library's summer reading program began.  Leaders over the years, Barbara Kruger, Dorothy Saums, Marilyn Herrington, Gina Monaco, Haydee Varriale, Dean Inglis and Bette Gallup.

1973:  The library had a yearly circulation of 8,304.

1974: Library held first book sale.

1976:  MHLS grant - heat for downstairs.

1976:  The Friends of the Hillsdale Library was organized.

1977 to the Present:  Received financial help from the Children's Foundation of Columbia  County for various projects.  (16 mm projector & screen, downstairs lighting & chairs, new shelving, audio books, etc.)

1977:  Library received a grant from the Mid-Hudson Library System to microfilm the Hillsdale Harbinger and the Hillsdale Herald.

1977 to 1980:  Don Crandall built record cabinet, additional shelving in adult and   children's room, adjustable book holder on mantle, photocopy stand and book drop.

1978:  MHLS grant for Microfilm Reader
         Volunteers began helping at the library.

1981:  Roe-Jan Lions Club held a pancake breakfast to benefit the library's furnace fund.

1982:  CAL sponsored a piano concert at Camphill Village to benefit the library. 
           (Susan Storck Paris & Elsie Storck)

1983:  Trustees held their first capital fund drive.
         The library had a yearly circulation of 10,875.
          Children's Story Programs began with Dean Inglis.

1986:  Burton Herrington Memorial Room dedicated.

1987:  Roe Jan Lion's Club held a pancake breakfast to benefit the library's well fund.

1989:  Curtiss Herrington Memorial Room dedicated (April 30th)
          Friends took over book sale from Trustees.

1990:  CAL donated compact discs and a shelving unit.

1991:  Friends of the Hillsdale Library purchased our first computer.

1993:  The library had a yearly circulation of 13,349.

1994:  MHLS grant for InfoTrac (continued funding from the Rheinstrom Hill 
          Community Foundation.)
          Friends purchased new microform reader/printer.

1995:  Became an Electronic Doorway Library.
         First five-year plan of service developed.

1996:  Friends of the Hillsdale Library purchased our second computer.
         Charles Deitz built computer book shelves.
         The library had a yearly circulation of 16,401.

1997:  Moved Juvenile books downstairs
         MHLS grant - Multi-media computer for children.
         Charles Deitz built children's computer table.
         New lighting fixtures  installed.
         Parking Lot, Reading Garden and Handicap Ramp

1999:  On-line circulation began in May

2000:  Celebrated 75 years of being in our current building
          Moved entire Children's Room downstairs
          Created library website
          Second five-year plan of service developed

2001:  Created computer room.  
          Received two computers from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation

2002:  Building Consultant hired to identify library needs
          Building program created
          Architecture firms interviewed

2003:  Celebrated 90 years of library service to the Roe-Jan   Community
          Building Committee formed to pursue expanding facilities
          Best Joslin architects from Windsor, Ct. hired
          The library had a yearly circulation of 22,507

2004:  Purchased 9.3 acres of land for new library