The World’s Largest ‘Library’ Is Here in the Hudson Valley

Even if you've lived in the Hudson Valley your entire life, I'm willing to bet you haven't heard of one of our country's most impressive resources... even though it's located right under our noses.

The list of "best", "oldest", and "biggest" things in the Hudson Valley is long. From the world's tallest lawn gnome in Ulster County, NY to the myriad restaurants that continually top national and international lists, there's plenty of reasons to love our corner of New York. But what about the library in Wappingers Falls, NY?

The Massive "Library" in Wappingers Falls, NY

The reason why you may not have heard of this magnificent resource before could be because this "library" doesn't have literary books. Instead, it's an archive dating back to the mid-1700s that keeps fascinating records of a different kind of paper (and cloth).

The Design Library in Wappingers Falls, NY

The Design Library, located in Dutchess County, NY, is  home to "the world’s largest and best organized collections of documentary fabrics, original paintings, wallpapers, embroideries and yarn dyes", with over seven million individual examples. There's a few reasons why the building is so special.

The Impressive Collections at the Design Library

In the words of the Design Library, "pattern is everywhere and has always been a powerful means of individual and cultural expression", but beyond cultural importance (and the love so many fashion designers have for the library), Hudson Valley homeowners could also benefit from the extensive collection.

History, especially the kind that started around 1750, is everywhere you look in the Hudson Valley. There are plenty of Revolutionary War-era homes (and many more from the 1800s) still standing in New York, and anyone looking to appropriately decorate the home with period-correct patterns could benefit from a visit to the Design Library.

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Appointments are required for anyone looking to visit the Design Library, and the institution has become so successful that a London office has also been created. Those looking to stay at home, however, can browse large portions of their collection online, although you'll need to create an account. Learn more here.