Outreach
Farm-2-Library
Beginning as a pilot program in 2017, after a conversation with Glens Falls Hospital, the initiative was imagined as a way to address health disparities in areas in Washington, Warren, and Saratoga counties where people depended on subprime groceries (think Dollar Stores and gas stations) for their shopping. When Glens Falls Hospital expressed difficulty reaching some communities – all of which had public libraries – the Southern Adirondack Library System (SALS) suggested it leverage its trusted position to share local fresh food with its communities.
At the same time, SALS was looking to make inroads in providing adult literacy services and realized its member libraries could not address literacy without also considering other essential integrated services, needed by many adult learners, such as low-barrier open access to fresh, nutritious food. By providing fresh food, community members can visit SALS’ libraries and develop relationships which could lead to providing additional services.
SALS partners with two regional food distribution networks, the Comfort Food Community (CFC) and Capital Roots’ Squash Hunger Program. Since 2017, the program has grown significantly. The number of SALS’ Comfort Food Community libraries has grown from one to fourteen locations and, in 2025, they distributed over 42,000 pounds of locally grown food to their comunities.
Our 2026 Participating Libraries
- Argyle Free Library
- Ballston Spa Public Library
- Bancroft Public Library (Salem)
- Cambridge Public Library
- Corinth Free Library
- Crandall Public Library
- Easton Library
- Greenwich Library
- Pember Library & Museum
- Rockwell Falls Public Library
- Round Lake Library Malta Branch
- Saratoga Springs Public Library
- Schuylerville Public Library
- Waterford Public Library
- Whitehall Free Library
Libraries Mean Business
Since 2016, SALS’s Libraries Mean Business initiative has supported small businesses and entrepreneurs. We provide public programs at member libraries, funding to train Notary Publics for each SALS’s library, and a robust digital collection of business-related e-books and e-audiobooks on Overdrive
Outreach Advisory Committee
Members:
- TBD, Systems Services Librarian – Library Development, SALS
- Jennifer Hurd, Director of the Round Lake Public Library
- Johanna MacKay, Instructional Design Librarian, Skidmore College Lucy Scribner Library
- Laura Scott, Non-Credit Program Support Specialist, SUNY Adirondack
- Kate A. Thomas, Senior Librarian, Department of Corrections and Community Supervision
Outreach to Prisons
We serve:
- Washington Correctional (72 Lock 11 Rd, Comstock, NY 12821)
Outreach to Jails
We serve:
- Hamilton County Jail (South Shore Rd, Lake Pleasant, NY 12108)
- Saratoga County Jail (6010 County Farm Rd, Ballston Spa, NY 12020)
- Warren County Jail (1340 State Route 9, Lake George, NY 12845)
- Washington County Jail (399 Broadway, Fort Edward, NY 12828)
More information on Coordinated Outreach Services in New York
Individual member libraries offer various options for the delivery of books & materials to patrons.
Please contact your local library today for more information about available services.
Visit our Directory to find your local library.