Community Corner

Community Welcomes Interim Library Director

New City Interim Library Director Maurice “Mitch” Freedman got a warm welcome from the 30 plus patrons, board members and employees who attended a “Meet & Greet” on Tuesday night. Board President Tom Ninan introduced Freedman, who was appointed by the board almost three weeks ago.  The director’s position has been vacant for more than a year. The library’s Head of Adult Services Marianne Silver also served as interim director for seven months in 2012.  

Ninan said one of the things Freedman wants to be known for is leadership. Freedman has an extensive resume, a Master’s Degree in Library Science and a Ph.D. He served as director of the Westchester Library System for 23 years and as president of the American Library Association in 2002.

In addressing the group, Freedman said he was not looking to make any decisions on his own but hoped to develop a level of trust with the board.  Freedman alluded to the board’s past confrontations and noted the unanimous vote to appoint him was a positive move.   

“It was nice to see that as a point of departure for my being hired,” he said.  

He acknowledged his challenge was to deliver and that he hoped everyone the board and staff would work together for the best interests of the library and its patrons.  

“I understood some of the challenges and I have an even better understanding now of some of the challenges,” said the Mount Kisco resident. “It’s a lot of work and I’m more than willing to do it as long as everybody wants the same result.”  
Freedman said staff members told him they were happy he was appointed.  

“In three months, I hope they feel the same way,” he joked.  

He spoke about the pending relocation of the audio/visual area from the basement to the library’s first floor. The section will be revamped and the process to borrow CDs and DVDs will be simplified. He said he believed the most heavily used materials should be the most accessible materials and named DVDs and brand new books as the items in greatest demand.  

The mood was upbeat.  

“I think it’s great that the board selected an interim director,” said Ramapo Catskill Library System Executive Director Robert Hubsher. “I think Mitch is going to be a critical factor for the board to move on.”  

Library Staff Association President Karen Vetrano said, “Overall the staff was pleased they appointed an interim director to address the issues that had them uneasy. After he’s been here for two weeks now we feel like we’re in capable hands.”  

Harry Bloomfeld of the New City Library Watch echoed some of the thoughts.  

“I’m optimistic we have a person who has a good background and experience,” he said. 


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