Excitement is brewing in the Town of Newburgh, as Resorts World Hudson Valley prepares to open its doors at the Newburgh Mall. Workers have been busy for the past six months transforming the former Bon Ton retail space into a casino.

Locals are hopeful that the addition of video terminals will help revitalize the 42 year-old shopping center that has gotten quieter in recent years. Foot Locker and Olympia Sports are among the more recent casualties.

There is great anticipation that the casino will generate jobs and sales tax revenue for the town and more foot traffic for the remainder of the mall, but there is also a price. The Newburgh Free Library recently announced that it will be closing its town branch after nearly 10 years inside the mall. The library branch is only a few doors from where the casino will be. Reading and gambling apparently do not mix.

The mall is reportedly seeking businesses that may be more compatible with a casino, such as pubs or fast-food restaurants. It has spent much of the past year clearing out the north end of the shopping center where the casino is located. Gone are a dental practice, insurance office and a greeting card store. A barber shop relocated to the opposite end.

The library added a certain charm to the place. In addition to borrowing books or videos, it offered a quiet space where one could also sit down and relax for a few minutes, reading the day’s newspapers or some of the magazines available there. There were also special programs there, much like the main branch on Grand Street.

Hopefully the library will find a new and equally convenient location for its town branch. Perhaps the mall management can provide some incentive (a few rent-free months?) for them to occupy the Foot Locker or one of the nearby spaces.

Forcing a library to close would be a lasting stain for the mall and the town.