Brewster Library Announces New Board Members and Receives Check from Putnam County

The Brewster Public Library recently received a check from Putnam County Executive MaryEllen Odell and County Legislator Joe Castellano, for the county's portion of their commitment to provide exceptional library services to the residents of Putnam County. NY State recently increased their funding of local state libraries in an amount of $5 million dollars to support libraries statewide which allowed the County to maintain level funding as well. The check, in the amount of $68,000 dollars will help the Brewster Public library expand its program and facilities to better serve their patrons. Board President Peter Carey stated "Putnam County has always been very supportive of the Brewster Library and we are grateful to the County Legislature and especially the County Executive's Office for their continued financial and moral support." 

The Brewster Public Library Board of Trustees elected new officers for 2018 at their regular annual meeting on Wednesday January 23.

Peter Carey, a 21 year town resident and editor of Brewster HamletHub has been elected President. Mr. Carey has been a board member for seven years and recently served as Board Vice President in 2017. John Blaser, the current president and an educator in Westchester, has elected to remain as Vice President. Mr. Blaser chose to step down as president due to his work commitments and felt with the future construction projects the library has planned he could not devote the time needed to oversee the projects along with the Library's day to day activities. Lynn Marrison a long time Trustee was re-elected to the position of Board Secretary. 

Robert Gosselink, a 2 year trustee, has been appointed liaison from the board to the building committee that reports to the president. He will be primarily responsible for overseeing the renovation of the library's lower level which is currently under construction along with the future 2.9 million dollar expansion approved by voters in the 2017 referendum. The library hopes to break ground on that expansion later this year.

On a sadder note, Trustee John Dever, the Board's Financial officer announced he would be resigning from the board effective immediately as he is moving to the mid-Atlantic states to be closer to his family. All the board members expressed sadness at losing Mr. Dever who has been a board member for over ten years. The board will especially miss his financial acumen but wish him well in his future endeavors. Peter Gosselink will be taking over the Friends of the Library, which is an advocacy group to assist the library in fundraising and donations. Anyone wishing to volunteer for the Friends of the Library or the library can contact the Library Director, Gina Loprinzo at director@brewsterlibrary.org or call 845.279.6421. Board members returning this year include Karen Desantis and Michael Conn. 

The Board would like to welcome Kevin Finnegan to the Board for 2018. Mr. Finnegan is a long time resident of Brewster/Southeast and a recently retired attorney. He has been appointed as of March to fill the slot left vacant by John Dever's resignation.

To find out more visit brewsterlibrary.org