BookMarksissue 141

Fall 2019

Scarsdale is ABUZZabout the Library!

F R I E N D S O F T H E S C A R S D A L E L I B R A R Y

Mets Radio Personality, Ed Coleman, To Throw Spelling Curveballs atAnnual Spelling Bee

Happily, New York Mets commentator, Ed Coleman, will reprise his role as emcee for the2020 Scarsdale Library spelling bee. A familiar voice on WFAN for every Mets fan duringthe last 30 years, Coleman, interestingly, believes in the power of silence. “Baseball is one ofthose things,” he says, “where pauses are a good thing. I try to be succinct. It’s a byword forlife in general, I think we all talk too much, and don’t listen enough. I tell that to my girlstoo; the more you listen, the more you learn.”

Coleman, and his wife, Kathy, a real estate agent at Coldwell Banker, raised their daughtersJulia, 24, and Emma, 20, in Scarsdale and have long been active as community volunteers.Luckily, the Library holds the bee during baseball’s off-season, meaning that the man whomight shout “It’s OUTTA here” when a ball soars at Citifield is able to make time to toss outchallenging words to nervous spellers in January. Asked about Mets moments that particularlystand out in his mind, Coleman admits tearing up while narrating icon David Wright’sfarewell when he retired in 2017, recalls finding it hard to summon the right words after theteam’s 2008 season-ending loss that doubled as the closer for the historic Shea Stadium era,and vividly remembers the restorative power of Mike Piazza’s home run hit about ten daysafter the 9/11 attacks. Says Coleman, “Even Bobby Cox, Atlanta’s then-manager, said to meafter we won that game, `I hate to lose, but the right team won tonight.’” Many may remem-ber Coleman’s somber intro when the Mets played their first game after the attacks, whileaway in Pittsburgh, and that his voice broke as he acknowledged that the team felt ambivalentabout playing, but that we as Americans couldn’t let others dictate how we live, that we hadto continue.

Coleman says he preps for the bee by reviewing all the words ahead of time, as he dreads get-ting a word that he hasn’t seen before while on stage. He says he’s been impressed by the pro-ficiency of the competitors, and surprised that people rarely even ask him to repeat a word.His biggest fear about bee duty? Fairness. He doesn’t want people to get eliminated, and thenhave the next word teed up seem too easy. at would, uh, sting too much.

THE BEE IS BACK

Come out to see two great American pastimes (sorta) converge: baseball and spelling, on January 31 at 7:30 pm in theSHS Auditorium. (Snow date is February 7.)

Beth’s DeskUpdate from Library Director

Eleanor Roosevelt stated, “It takes as much energy to wish as it doesto plan.” As the library building takes shape, we are imagining themyriad opportunities the new spaces will make possible and it willnot be enough to simply open the doors, sit back and passively seewhat happens. To that end, the Library Board, Library staff and theFriends of the Scarsdale Library have embarked on a strategic plan-ning process to guide us through the re-opening as well as the yearsthat follow. is process includes analysis of trends and library re-search; over 25 interviews with community leaders; an intense, all-day planning session for almost 60 attendees; several roundtablediscussions; and a qualitative survey, which garnered over 800 re-sponses.

In order to make sense of all the feedback we receive, it is imperativeto view it through the lens of the Scarsdale Public Library’s missionstatement, which remains unchanged:

To serve a central role in the cultural and intellectual life of our community and to

encourage the joy of reading, the exploration of ideas, and the pursuit of lifelong learning

for children and adults.Right now, we are at a pivotal stage to determine how to best deliverthis mission, not only because we are moving into a larger, morefunctional 21st century building, but also because we are living ina rapidly changing world.

Our plans will allow us the flexibility to respond to communityneeds while maintaining a focused approach to services and pro-grams. Service is at the center of our vision for a library that mustbe nimble to new trends and ideas, and is welcoming to all. As thestewards of a beloved Scarsdale institution, we are listening to thepeople who truly make the Scarsdale Public Library what it is: ourpatrons.

Meanwhile, notice that we have extended winter hours at the Li-brary Loft and we continue to partner with local organizations toprovide popular programs. We are also filling long-vacated posi-tions, starting with new Assistant Director, Shira Ronis Barkoe.Please offer her a warm welcome when you see her at the Loft!

Elizabeth Bermel, Director, Scarsdale Public Library

Shira Ronis Barkoe most recently

worked as the Head of Digital Services

and Technology at the Nyack Library.

Before that, she worked for ten years

as the Manager of Library Systems at

the Environmental Defense Fund in

New York City. She received her BFA

from the University of Michigan and

her MLS from Southern Connecticut

State University. She grew up in We-

ston, Connecticut and currently resides

in Northern Westchester. In her spare

time, she loves to bike, hike, camp,

craft and spend time with her husband

Jon and two children, Leia and Sam.

Strategic PlanVisioning Session

Welcome to SPLShira RonisBarkoe joins asAssistant Director

Stakeholders gathered for a day-longworkshop to ensure SPL returns to thenew library space ready to maximize thepotential of our transformation.

Library Happenings

SCARSDALEPUBLIC LIBRARY

Library Happenings

NBC Legal Analyst Mimi Rocah Reflects on Timely Topics

Student Art Show Hightlights Talent, Raises Funds for SPL

Fourth Annual Vital Aging FairDraws a CrowdHeld at the Scarsdale Congregational Church, this popular eventincluded free consultations, giveaways and expertise from 25+ diverse aging specialists. Sponsored by the Scarsdale EdgemontFamily Counseling Service, the Scarsdale Public Library and theScarsdale Seniors.

The Westchester Association of Chinese Americans (WACA)held its third annual Youth Art Show at the Scarsdale Woman'sClub. Beautiful art created by many of our local high school stu-dents was on display. Some pieces were sold, and proceedswent to the Scarsdale Public Library.

Scarsdale’s resident Rocah discussed politics at this well-attended event co-sponsored bythe Scarsdale League of Women Voters, theScarsdale Forum and the Library, held atScarsdale Woman’s Club.

pictured l to r: Tim Foley, Pres. Scarsdale Forum; Dara Gruenberg,Pres. FOSL; Leah Dembitzer, President SLWV; Hon. Andrea Stewart-Cousins; and Mimi Rocah, NBC Legal Analyst

pictured l to r: Crystal Feng, SHS sophomore; Olivia Liu. SHS freshman;Kenneth Zhu, SHS sophomore; Marissa Meng, Scarsdale resident;Elizabeth Bermel, Library Director; Kevin Ding. President of WACA;Shuo Wang, Vice President of WACA; and Kiki Hong, parent and adultart student

Examples of artwork on display:

Maryellen Saenger, LMHC,SEFC and Claudette Glasser,Community Outreach Librarian

10 Years @ SPL

Milestones of a Busy Decade

Board NewsSeason of GratitudeAs we closed in on anksgiving, we closed up the walls of theOlmsted building, an important construction milestone that willallow renovation to continue unimpeded by winter weather.Serendipitously, Elizabeth Bermel also celebrated her tenth anniver-sary as the director of the library this fall. Scarsdale would be luckyto have Beth’s leadership and expertise in any case, but at this mo-ment, as we work to transform the physical space and to imaginehow a cutting-edge library will function, we are truly grateful forher knowledge, steadiness under pressure, and cheerful demeanor.

Beth says she’s thankful too: “e opportunity to work on a highlevel project like this has given me the chance to check all the boxesprofessionally as a public librarian,” she says, “and to get to knowpeople from every sector of Scarsdale, while raising the library’sprofile.”

As we prepare for the exciting future, our strategic planning processhas been moving forward alongside our building project. More onthat next time, but a big thank you to Margot Milberg, for leadingthat charge.

I must give a shout-out to the Friends of the Library for their suc-cessful children’s Summer Read-A-on. eir next event, theSpelling Bee, throws down a challenge to adults and teens to staysharp during the coming holiday break. Ed Coleman, whose roleas a longtime Mets commentator makes him uniquely suited tooversee our very own major-league spelling competition, will emcee.Let me make a pitch for many of you to come out and compete—or spectate. Either way, don’t miss out!

Elyse Klayman, President, Library Board of Trustees

Funding Feasibility Study Established Mission

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2009

Launch of Strategic Plan Process

Library BoardHires Beth Bermelas Library Director

Community Input and Research:• 5 formal focus groups • 1 open forum• 22 board meetings• Multiple brainstorming sessions• Countless conversations with stakeholders• Many written surveys• Extensive analysis of WLS data

5-Year Strategic Plan

Visit area librariesResearch library building trendsIdentify deferred building maintenance needs

Master Plan ReportEstablished Project Vision

Milestones of a Busy Decade

2014

SCARSDALE PUBLIC LIBRARY

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Elyse Mall Klayman, President

Margot Milberg, Vice President

Gary Katz, Finance Officer

Diane Greenwald, Secretary

Felicia Block, Trustee

Alan Bey, Trustee

Laura Lui, Trustee

Deb Morel, Trustee

Svati Shashank, Trustee

Jane E. Veron,Village Board Liaison

Elizabeth Bermel, Library Director

FRIENDS OF THE SCARSDALE

LIBRARY BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Dara Gruenberg, President

Wendy MacMillan, Vice President

Jamie Kefer, Vice President

Lori Harrison, Secretary

Mona Longman, Treasurer

DIRECTORS

Lauren Bender

Allison Block

Betsy Bohrer

To-Dao Casey

Anne George

Alison Gordon

Nancy Kaplan

Wendy Kleinman

Renu Lalwani

Meg Lazarus

Michelle Lichtenberg

Deborah Lichtenstein

Reshma Shetty

Alexandra Vargo Tagami

Loretta Vickers

Marin Weinberg

Gabrielle Wise

Thanks, Beth, for 10 wonderful years!

Launch Capital Campaign

First Village Resolution

Village ResolutionApproves $9.9M bond

toward $17.9 M project’s estimated costs

Design/Funding Approval Process• Document project goals in public binder• Hold over 40 community meetings• Reduced costs: Option A-1• Trustees visit local libraries and

Conduct due diligence

Schematic Design

2015

2017

2018

2019

2013-2017 annual Progress Reports track data, demonstrating significant uptick in patron usage, circulation and desire for programming

Ongoing project oversight, construction administration, bidding process, furniture selections, site tours, community updates, schedule coordination, etc.

August - Break Ground at Olmsted Rd

• Construction Manager Hired• Design Development

+ Construction Docs

Open Temp Space - Library Loft @ Supply Field

Secure Private Funding Campaign exceeds goal, reaches $8M

LIBRARY LOFT

SCARSDALE PUBLIC

AT SUPPLY FIELD

Launch ofStrategic PlanProcess

Library Information: 914-722-1300

Automated Renewal: 914-674-4169

www.scarsdalelibrary.org

facebook.com/ScarsdaleLibrary

twitter: @Sdalelibrary

HOURS AT LIBRARY LOFT @ SUPPLY FIELD

December, January, February, March M, Tu, W 8am -- 8pm Th -F 8am - 6pmSat 9am-5pm(closed Sunday)

Closed for Renovation:54 Olmsted Road Scarsdale, NY 10583Visit:Library Loft @ Supply Field

244 Heathcote Road

Scarsdale, NY 10583

BookMarks Designed by Diane Greenwald,

Editorial: Elyse Klayman and Dara Gruenberg

2016

Renovation Progress

Building Taking Shape

This season has been busy at the Olmsted Road project site, with thebuilding taking shape in ways that were hard to imagine based solelyon plans and drawings.

e glass wrapped gallery allows light to stream into the readingarea and the views of the surrounding park flood the senses. It’s eas-ier now to ‘see’ the many additional programs and activities thatcan take place because of this expansion. Moving the bathroomsand making them fully accessible will allow room for a graciousentry with a coffee bar and cafe-style seating.

What else? e roofing is installed andthe exterior walls are now enclosed, en-suring that during the winter months,interiors can be completed. e metalframing, like the building’s internalskeleton, supports the spaces that will befurther defined by sheet-rocked walls.Materials arrive daily, such as the warmwood for some of the interior ceiling sur-faces that absorb sound and improvebuilding acoustics.

SCARSDALEPUBLIC LIBRARY

Dear Friends,We are so proud to support life-long learning for every segmentof our community by funding the programs you love. eFriends has a rich history sponsoring and enriching the Scars-dale Library. ank you for your continued generosity to helpour mission to enhance the Library's programs.

For simplicity's sake, we will be moving our calendar year fordonors to December 1st through November 31st. is way, itwill be much easier for donors to know—and for us to track—if you have made your annual contribution.

Be the first this year to become a "friend" of the library! Wehave several ways to contribute: visit us at the the Scarsdale Li-brary website, mail in the attached envelope, or use the QRcode below by opening the camera on your phone and pointingthe lens at the image; you will be directed to our webpage.

ank you in advance. I hope to see you at the Bee on January31st! It's sure to "bee" spectacular!

Warmly,Dara Gruenberg,President, Friends of the Scarsdale Library

Friends of theSCARSDALEL I B R A R Y

Follow the Friends on Instagram:friends_scarsdale_library

Scarsdale

Top Books

1. The Dutch House by Ann Patchett

2. Fleishman is in Trouble

by Taffy Brodesser-Akner

3. Talking to Strangers: What we should know

about the people we don't know

by Malcolm Gladwell

4. The Night Fire by Michael Connelly

5. The Secrets We Kept by Lara Prescott

6. Ask Again, Yes by Mary Beth Keane

Top Downloads

1. Mrs. Everything by Jennifer Weiner

2. Fleishman is in Trouble

by Taffy Brodesser-Akner

3. Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens

4. Ask Again, Yes by Mary Beth Keane

5. Normal People by Sally Rooney

6. Maybe You Should Talk to Someone

by Lori Gottleib

Top Videos

Yesterday

Aladdin

Spiderman-Far from

home

Maiden

Rocketman

The Wedding Guest

Our Interests Now

Building Taking Shape

We are thrilled to report that last summer’s

Read-A-Thon, sponsored by the Friends, raised

$6,500. 110 students, grades K-6, registered to

track their reading time to raise money for the

Library. According to the Read-A-Thon website

officials, ours was their “most successful public

library Read-A-Thon.”

Top participants included Maya Shetty, grade 6,

who racked up 2,666 minutes in August,

followed by her 3rd grade brother, Rylan Shetty,

with 2,652. Gracie Liebman, Jordan Keller,

Owen Dubinsky, Tyson Youm, Sophie Xie,

Thomas Foley, Amelia Youm, Nash Vickers,

Jacob Dubinsky and Max Harrison all clocked

more than 600 minutes, and received prizes

from the Friends of the Scarsdale Library.

Thanks to all our dedicated page-turners—and

their supporters!

Summer Read-A-Thon!

Student Readers Clock-In Overtime

Scarsdale, New York 10583

Friends of theSCARSDALEL I B R A R Y

F R I E N D S O F T H E S C A R S D A L E L I B R A R Y

THE BEE IS BACK

SPELLING BEECOMMUNITY FUNDRAISER SUPPORTING SCARSDALE PUBLIC LIBRARY

Fri., Jan. 31 • 7:30 pm • Scarsdale High School

Teams sign up by Dec. 31, 2019, 15 adult teams, 5 high school age teams,

non-Scarsdale residents welcome. Register soon, fills up fast!

Team fee is $180 per adult team, $75 for teen teams @ scarsdalelibrary.org

for info or to make online payment visit

scarsdalelibrary.org

Become an Event Sponsor!

HONEY BEE $5,000

QUEEN BEE $2,500

WORKER BEE $1,000

BUMBLE BEE $500

FLOWER BEE $250

Bee Highlights:

• Ed Coleman, Mets radio announcer, will return as the event emcee

• Event T-shirt and water bottle for all team participants

• Trivia games for audience

• Prizes for winners!

• Refreshments available for purchase

• Spectator admission: $10 for adults, $5 for children under 18

Snow date is February 7