Mid-Hudson Libraries Tempestry Collection
The Mid-Hudson Library System has partnered with The Tempestry Project on a large-scale community art project to depict climate data from the Hudson Valley from 1895-2025 in the form of “tempestries” knit by artisans across the Hudson Valley.
Knitters and knitting groups in MHLS member libraries have worked together to create this one-of-a-kind traveling exhibit to tell the story of not just climate change, but the history of libraries in the region and the personal histories of the knitters. Each Tempestry tells a story. The Mid-Hudson Libraries Tempestry Collection Survey Responses list the knitters that are a part of the exhibit and why they chose the year for their tapestry.
Mid-Hudson Libraries Tempestery Collection Exhibit Schedule
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- May – June 2026: Hyde Park Library District
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- June 30 – July 25, 2026: Mahopac Library
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- November 13 – December 28, 2026: Olive Free Library
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- January – March 2027: Elting Memorial Library
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- April – June 2027: Hudson Area Association Library
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- July – September 2027: Claverack Free Library
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- October – December 2027: Putnam Valley Free Library
What is a Tempestry?
A Tempestry (or temperature tapestry) is a knitted scarf-sized wall hanging that shows the daily high temperatures for a specific location and year. Collectively, a group of Tempestries for one location (such as the Mid-Hudson Libraries Collection) creates a powerful visual representation of changing temperatures over time.
Why libraries?
The Mid-Hudson Library System (MHLS) works to create a world in which individuals, families and communities thrive when they have access to information, resources, learning environments and library services that respect the triple bottom line of social equity, economic feasibility, and environmental stewardship. The Mid-Hudson Library System is the first public library system in the country to be certified through the Sustainability Libraries Initiative’s award-winning Sustainable Library Certification Program.
Why the knitted linen stitch?
Knitted linen stitch creates a beautifully sturdy fabric that won’t stretch the way that crochet and knitted garter stitch do and won’t curl the way stockinette does. This works well for Tempestries, which may be displayed for long periods of time.
