09/13/2026
Looking for a fun (and free) way to get out of town this fall? Adults are invited to join the William B. Ogden Free Library for a special “Read & Go” bus trip to West Point Military Academy in celebration of the 250th anniversary of the United States Friday, October 16th.
This unique program combines reading, discussion, and travel for an engaging exploration of American history and leadership.
Participants will choose a fiction or nonfiction book connected to West Point, including titles related to Academy graduates, military leadership, or the history and traditions of the Academy itself. Prior to the trip, participants will gather for a special book discussion program on Wednesday, September 30, at 6:30 PM to meet fellow travelers, share insights from their reading, hear first-hand experience from a former cadet and to get final instructions for the bus trip.
The day trip includes charter bus transportation from the library’s Gardiner Place side, lunch, and a 2-hour History & Tradition Tour of West Point. Highlights of the tour include Cadet Chapel, Trophy Point overlooking the Hudson River, the Plain, West Point Cemetery, and the historic Old Cadet Chapel, built in 1837. Participants should be prepared for approximately 1.5 hours of walking and standing outdoors on potentially uneven terrain and are encouraged to wear comfortable footwear, bring a water bottle, and dress appropriately for the weather.
This grant-funded program is free to attend, but space is limited and registration is required. Reserve your seat with a $40 deposit, which will be refunded upon attendance on the day of the trip. Deposits for cancellations can only be refunded through September 30. The bus will depart on Friday, October 16, 2026, no later than 7:45 AM and return at approximately 3:30 PM.
Reservations must be made in person at the library's circulation desk and accompanied by the required deposit. To ensure fair access, each person may register themselves and one additional participant.
