Briarcliff Manor, New York
Briarcliff Manor was historically known for its wealthy estate-owning families, including the Vanderbilts, Astors, and Rockefellers. It still remains primarily residential and its population is still considered affluent by U.S. standards. It has about of recreational facilities and parks, all accessible to the public. The village has seven Christian churches for various denominations and two synagogues. The oldest church is Saint Mary's Episcopal Church, built in 1851. Briarcliff Manor has an elected local government, with departments including police, fire, recreation, and public works. It has a low crime rate: a 2012 study found it had the second-lowest in the state. In the New York State Legislature it is split between the New York State Assembly's 95th and 92nd districts, and the New York Senate's 38th and 40th districts. In Congress the village is in New York's 17th District.
Briarcliff Manor Public Library
The Briarcliff library is open seven days per week, except in August when it is closed each Sunday. The library hosts four computer workstations and eight laptops, and has its own WiFi network. The library's director oversees two and three-quarters full-time and eight part-time employees, including reference and youth librarians. The library is governed by a seven-member board, with a liaison to the village board. Services include computer classes, book discussion groups, young adult programs, a children's room, and a local history collection. Library spending constitutes about four percent of the village budget. Community members support the library through the Friends of the Briarcliff Manor Public Library organization. The organization's volunteers have helped shelve, repair, and check out books, provided art shows, sponsored adult discussion groups, and participated in all of the library's fundraising campaigns.