LIBRARY ADVOCATE

I've been a library advocate for as long as I can remember. When I was a child, the Tomkins Cove Public was my bus stop and my favorite place to be. I would regularly help Mrs. James, the longtime clerk, and I'd read as many books as possible.

For over 10 years, I've served on the Tomkins Cove Public Library, with the last 5 as President. Before coronavirus restrictions, we expanded our programming over 500% under my leadership. We have also pursued and received over $150k in grant money in the last 5 years.

I have also served on the Ramapo Catskill Library System Board of Trustees for over 5 years, which serves the 47 member libraries in Rockland, Orange, Ulster and Sullivan Counties. I served a term as President of the Board in 2021, as I helped the organization navigate the "new normal" of reopening our libraries post-covid.

The Rose Memorial Library deserves more support from our town. In all my experience, I have virtually never seen a town so clearly work against a library in our neighboring counties or here in Rockland. We need to be part of the solution in getting Rose Memorial the space they need to serve us.

I believe that libraries are one of the most true democratic institutions in our society. Libraries offer more services that most people can ever imagine - they are so much more than just books! They also welcome everyone. Simply put - I love libraries and will do whatever I can to support them.