Meet the Board
Officers
Ellen has served on the Mamaroneck Library Board for three years, currently as Vice President. She lived in Larchmont for 26 years before moving to Rye Neck 11 years ago. An educator for 40 years, Ellen was a teacher, staff developer and Assistant Principal in both public and independent schools. She was a trustee on the Mamaroneck School Board for 6 years. Currently she serves on the Board of At Home on the Sound. Since retiring, she has become a guide at the Metropolitan Museum of art. Ellen enjoys cycling and kayaking on the Sound.
Term expires: May 31, 2022
Board Members
Robert S. Albert is a lifelong resident of Mamaroneck and owned Sight ‘n Sound, a book and music business, for many years before working for Random House for 25 years. I’ve always loved the diversity of the people of Mamaroneck and I’ve always felt a responsibility to serve the community in whatever ways I could. I’ve previously served on the library Board for more than 10 years. Most recently, I served for two years as a Village of Mamaroneck Trustee. I would welcome the opportunity to bring my book, library and business experience to help support the library staff, the Board and our wonderful community.
Term expires: May 31, 2023
Elenita grew up in Southern California, in 1997 while working at Macmillan USA transferred to New York and in 1999 she and her husband bought a home in Mamaroneck. Her experience as Director of Library Sales & Marketing for Perseus Books, provided Elenita the opportunity to work with independent publishers, guiding and building their growth into both the library and retail trade channels. Elenita currently is the Director of Advertising and Marketing for Book and Library Services at Brodart Co. She is a Board member of the Exhibitor Round Table for the American Library Association and liaison to the ALA Conference Committee, as well as serves on the Board of Trustees for the Mamaroneck Public Library. Elenita feels that the library is the center of a community, it is a pleasure to participate in the growth, outreach and expansion of our library.
Living in Mamaroneck is a breath of fresh air for Elenita. She loves the community, its beauty and diversity. She is a longtime, dedicated customer of Fiore’s Pilates as well a patron to the local restaurants and stores.
Term expires: May 31, 2023
I have lived in Mamaroneck for the last 9 years. In fact, my realtor sent me pictures of the new library to lure me over to the town (it obviously worked.) My two children, ages 10 & 14, have grown up going to the library and still get excited when it’s time to visit. One summer we were lucky enough to borrow the audiobook of Matilda, which we listened to on loop for three weeks, then the Roald Dahl cookbook from which we made Bruce Bogtrotter’s chocolate cake. It’s a treasured family memory which I am certain my children will think of when they look back on their childhood. When the opportunity arose to volunteer on the Library’s board, I didn’t have to be asked twice.
I have volunteered with the Larchmont/Mamaroneck STEM Alliance, the BOE Selection Committee, the MUFSD Special Education PTA, and the Mamaroneck Avenue PTA. My work in the PTAs has been the most involved and continues to this day, though sadly all via Zoom which is oddly exhausting. In my professional life, I spent 15 years working for a lecture agency in a variety of roles including spearheading the opening of their literary division. Since 2006 my husband and I have been owners of a small beer brand. My role there was to oversee marketing and act as chief taster. Tough work but someone has to do it. I currently work in the Guidance Department at a local area High School.
Term expires: May 31, 2024
My family moved to Mamaroneck in the early 60’s and I attended Mamaroneck Avenue School, The Hommocks, and graduated from MHS. I received a BA in English from Lake Forest College in Illinois. After college I began a career in Book Publishing working for Random House for over thirty years. I have held positions as Associate Publisher of Knopf, Publisher of Pantheon Books, and Executive Editorial Director of Lyons Press. I am currently the Editorial/Publishing Director of Other Press, a small independent book publisher in NYC. I am married to Daniel Kushnick, my high school sweetheart and we have three children; a daughter and two sons. After living in Pelham, NY for 23 years where we raised our children we moved to Mamaroneck two years ago and now live in my childhood home in Harbor Heights. I have spent my entire professional career devoted to books and have worked with many of the most esteemed authors of our time. I am passionate about books, reading and am a huge champion of libraries. I would be honored to serve as a member of the library board.
Term expires: May 31, 2024
George Mgrditchian has been a resident of the Village of Mamaroneck for 35 years with his wife Joanne. His twin sons attended the local schools of Mamaroneck. George is the President/Owner of K Con Site Developers. He is the president of the Orienta Point Association, On the board of the Historical Society and has been a member of many civic groups. He has an MBA from Iona College. George brings an unequivocal mix of successful entrepreneurship and civic activity through my volunteer work that makes me an ideal candidate for the Library Board.
Term expires: May 31, 2022
Fiona Palmer has been living in Mamaroneck for 10 years, with my husband and two sons. I work at Miller’s Toy Store on Mamaroneck Avenue, and so I am in the heart of the commercial center of the village everyday, meeting and serving residents and visitors, and I know how many young families are here eager to get out and use the facilities the village has to offer.
The public library was one of the first places we sought out as new residents with young children. At that time, the library was operating out of a temporary space at the end of Mamaroneck Avenue, and I couldn’t believe my luck when a few months later this beautiful building re-opened. 10 years on, I consider myself lucky to be offered the opportunity to serve my adopted hometown in a place as important as the public library, as they prepare for the next 5 years. I hope I can encourage more and stronger children’s services for both elementary and middle school age children and develop the library into the community hub it should be for Mamaroneck.
Term expires: May 31, 2024
I am a 38 year resident of the Village of Mamaroneck, married to Toni Pergola Ryan, father of Christopher, grandfather of Jack, Aidia, and Eloise. I am a graduate of Boston University and am recently retired from the business world. A former Councilman and Supervisor in the Town of Mamaroneck (where I was the Board’s liaison to the Larchmont Library), I have been active in Village government for 30 years, especially in areas of flood control and recreation. I would very much like to continue to give back to my community as a member of the Board of Trustees of our library.
Libraries have always been special to me, whether it was in Pelham where I grew up, or here in Mamaroneck where I made wonderful memories with my son and am taking even greater pleasure in enjoying children’s programs with my grandchildren. I believe libraries are an integral part of every community. No longer do they house only books. They are centers of communication. I want to help to make sure that Mamaroneck’s library is a leader in providing meaningful programs to our Village residents. That is why I am running for Trustee of the library’s Board- to keep us growing and dreaming and connecting in a warm and friendly place.
Term expires: May 31, 2024
Lilliana Diaz-Pedrosa is a Mamaroneck Avenue School mom and an attorney at a leading education rights-not-for-profit agency in NYC. Professionally, she serves as the Director of the agency’s Parent Center, offering information dissemination, capacity building, and legal representation to NYC’s most vulnerable families. She has conducted hundreds of workshops on various aspects of New York education law and practice for parents and professionals, but she cannot cook a meal that both her children will like at the same time. Lilliana graduated from Fordham University School of Law and Georgetown University. Hailing from Puerto Rico, she is a native Spanish speaker and is also fluent in French. In 2012, she co-founded a not-for-profit Spanish immersion early childhood program in NYC, where she served as Board President until 2019. She is looking forward to serving the Mamaroneck community
Meet the Staff
I was raised in Larchmont and am excited to be back in the area. I received my BA from Stonehill College and MLIS from Long Island University and have directed libraries for more than 20 years. I am passionate about genealogy, hiking and Notre Dame football (Go Irish!) I love being surrounded by positive and creative people who are passionate about what they do. I enjoy leading Mamaroneck Public Library and serving our community.
Favorite books: A Tree Grows in Brooklyn, The Screwtape Letters, and the Bible.
Teresa grew up in Mamaroneck and has been working at the library for 16 years. Through marriage, she has deep roots in the village. The family tree goes back to Charles Baxter—who was heavily involved in the creation of the Mamaroneck Public Library in the 1920s and whose portrait hangs in the Reading Room—and Everett Smith, former mayor. Her three children were the third generation to graduate from Rye Neck High School. She enjoys that her job allows her to work with a great staff and connect with members of the community.
Favorite books: To Kill A Mockingbird, The Language of Flowers, and Water for Elephants
I was born and raised in Colombia and migrated to the United States in 1986. Twenty years ago, I moved to the Town of Mamaroneck, met my wife, and have since called it my home. For the last 10 years I have worked as a superintendent and caretaker. I worked part-time for Larchmont and Mamaroneck Library’s, and was hired full-time for Mamaroneck in 2020. I enjoy dining at the many local restaurants, going for walks with my wife, and traveling to Colombia to see my son and daughter, and spend time with my beautiful grandchildren.
My favorite books are:
One Hundred Years of Solitude, by Gabriel García Márquez
Love in the Time of Cholera, by Gabriel García Márquez
The Bible
I began my career at Mamaroneck Public Library as a Circulation Clerk. I now work in the business office and coordinate programs, publicity and room rentals. I am a local resident, my children attended school in Mamaroneck. I have a Bachelors of Commerce degree from Punjab University, India. My family immigrated from India and I speak Hindi. I really enjoy taking part in our book club, exercise programs, and meditation programs at the library.
My favorite books are:
- Just Kids, by Patti Smith
- Giver of Stars, by Jojo Moyes
- Lillian Boxfish Takes a Walk, by Kathleen Rooney
My love for libraries began as a child at a small NYPL branch in the Bronx. Immediately following college graduation I was employed as a Reference Assistant for a corporate library in NYC. I received my MLS from St. John’s University and began my career at the Mamaroneck Public Library in 2000 working evenings and weekends while raising my two young sons. I became a full time Adult Services Librarian in 2007. Although I have worked in corporate and university libraries, I am dedicated to public service and am grateful to be able to serve such a wonderful community and work alongside a terrific, dedicated
staff. When not working, you will find me exploring the Hudson River with my family.
Favorite Genres: Historical Fiction, Biography, Spirituality and Health and Wellness.
Born and raised in New York City, I settled in Westchester after graduating from Sarah Lawrence College. I moved to the Larchmont/Mamaroneck are shortly after landing a weekend job as a circulation clerk at the Mamaroneck Free Library in 1989. I have many fond memories of working here in the early ’90s. While working as a Corporate Information Specialist at various NYC law firms, I earned an M.B.A. from Fordham University and an M.L.S. from SUNY in Buffalo. I’ve come full circle and once again work here part-time at my local library, this time as a librarian in Adult Services. I am thrilled to be back! Formerly, as the Spanish Language and Literacy Librarian, I taught Conversational Spanish, ESL, Adult Literacy and Citizenship classes at the Mount Vernon Public Library. Currently, I work full time in Technical Services at Westchester Community College, and I am an Adjunct Reference Librarian at Mercy College. I serve on the board of the Westchester Library Association as an Education Co-Chair and am proud to be a founding member of the Law Library Association of Greater New York Graphic Novel Book Club. When not in a library, you can find me outside with my family enjoying the many perks of living in Mamaroneck.
My three favorite books:
Madame Curie: A Biography, by Eve Curie
Please Kill Me: The Uncensored Oral History of Punk, by by Legs McNeil and Gillian McCain
The Second Sex, by Simone de Beauvoir
I was raised in Harrison, New York, but have been a resident of Mamaroneck for the last 15 years. I am a father of two young boys who attend schools in the Rye Neck District. Over the last 20 years I have worked in many trades within the construction industry, as well as heavy machinery and equipment repair, biomedical equipment repair, and building maintenance. For the last 3+ years I have had the privilege to serve as the Facilities Manager of the Mamaroneck Public Library. I enjoy the daily challenges and projects that come along with my position. Being able to work in the same community in which my children attend school has been such a blessing.
My favorite books: City of Ember, Dannemora, The Bible.
Born in Yonkers, New York, I have been working in academic libraries for 13 years in various roles and institutions. I received my BA from St. Thomas Aquinas college and my MS-ILS from SUNY Buffalo. I currently work here at Mamaroneck Public in a part-time librarian position to discover public library programming and the patrons they serve. I am a current Westchester Library Association (WLA) board member. In addition, I sit on various committees at SUNY Westchester community college, where I work full-time as a library technician. I enjoy cooking, writing restaurant reviews, and jogging. Helping others connect to vital information is central to my driving force. My mission is to serve those who don’t have a voice and lift up them to ensure everyone has a seat at the table.
I grew up on Long Island and in Ohio. After getting by BA from Ohio State (Medieval & Renaissance Studies) and my Masters of Library Science from Indiana University, Bloomington, I applied for the position at Mamaroneck Public Library because I knew I wanted to move back to the East Coast. I was hired as a Young Adult Librarian, fell in love with the area, and never looked back. Since then I’ve been “Jack-of-all-trades” in the library, working in the children and adult departments and circulation, doing programs, and a variety of “techie” stuff such as early website design, AV setup and support, before moving to cataloging full time a few years ago.
When not in the library, I can be found reading (books, comics, the backs of cereal boxes), crafting (knitting, crocheting, sewing), attending SF cons, playing Pokemon Go, and engaging in other geeky pursuits.
My three favorite books are:
- Network Effect, by Martha Wells
- Bookish and the Beast, by Ashley Poston
- Aru Shah and the End of Time, by Roshani Chokshi
Ask me tomorrow and I’ll give you a different set of three.
I was born and raised in Italy in the region of Calabria. After receiving my college degree in Education, I moved to the U.S. with my family and lived in Mamaroneck for many years. I attended Business school, worked at IBM for 5 years, met my husband, and started a family. When my daughters were in elementary school, I started working part-time at the Mamaroneck Library in the Circulation department. A few years later I was offered a full-time position in Technical Services. Fast forward 30+ years and I’m still fortunate enough to work at this incredible library, surrounded by such a great staff and wonderful community. This place is truly my second home. In my free time, I enjoy cooking, baking, and spending time with my two granddaughters.
I relocated to West Harrison, New York six years ago to serve as the Supervisory Librarian in the Youth Services department. I received my Bachelor’s in Family Studies from Montclair University in Upper Montclair, New Jersey; an MLIS from Clarion University in Pennsylvania,(Children’s Services Cohort) and earned the post graduate Advanced Certification in Public Library Administration from Long Island University. I am passionate about welcoming children to their Library and supporting them in their learning. I have 10 years’ experience in Library Management and along the way earned local, state, and National grants for innovative children’s programming. I am happy to serve here in Mamaroneck with wonderful colleagues dedicated to public service. In my spare time I enjoy the beach, spending time with my family and visiting art museums.
Favorite Genres: I love biographies, memoirs, non-fiction and children’s literature that focuses on immigrant stories, social justice, kindness and positive change in the world.
Michelle is a lifelong resident of Mamaroneck, and has fond memories of coming to the Mamaroneck Library as a young child and teenager. She has a bachelor’s degree in Spanish and a master’s in Library Science. She first worked at the Mamaroneck Library in 2008, and has held positions as a Circulation Clerk and as a Children’s Librarian.
Three favorite books:
Keeping the Moon, by Sarah Dessen
November of the Heart, by LaVyrle Spencer
The Girls From Ames, by Jeffrey Zaslow
Jamice started her career in library work as a part-time library clerk in August of 2021. She worked her first job in a book setting in 1994 at Cambridge University Press Distribution Center, until they closed their doors in 2009.
Originally from the Bronx, Patty moved to Westchester as a teenager and, while attending Rye High School, received her certification as a dental assistant. Patty has worked with the same orthodontist for over 40 years traveling to offices throughout Westchester, Orange, Suffolk, and Putnam Counties, as well as the five boroughs of New York. Passionate about learning, Patty pursued an additional career in 2003 in the Harrison Central school district and has been working for almost twenty years as a teacher aide assisting teachers and students in the science lab. A lifelong lover of books, Patty has always enjoyed libraries and bookstores. Working in a library was always of interest to Patty and became a reality when she applied for a part time position at the Mamaroneck Public library in 2022. She enjoys working as a circulation clerk, and interacting with the many patrons who frequent the library.
When not working, Patty can be found reading books, cheering on the NY Mets, or spending time with her husband, 2 daughters, and 5 furry grand-dogs.
Favorite authors
Kelly Corrigan
David Sedaris
Andre Dubus
Elizabeth Berg
Joyce Carol Oates
Sue Miller
Books of short stories
The New York Times Book Review
My passion for library work began when I started working as a page in the Children’s Room in high school at the Scarsdale Public Library. I continued at the library all through college as a circulation clerk until I earned my MLS from Long Island University. I have over 30 years experience working as a librarian in the legal profession, as a school media specialist, public, special and management positions. My career has come full circle since working in the Children’s Room. I am an avid reader, knitter, and enjoy my time with my family. I look forward to engaging children in literature that will fuel their imagination, create endless possibilities, and expand their work and their hearts.
Favorite books:
Charlotte’s Web
Little Women
The Secret Garden
Barbara has been at Mamaroneck Library for 5 years. She spent her first year volunteering in the Library’s Book Sale Room before being hired in Circulation. She lives in the area, and her two children went through the Mamaroneck School district. Barbara loves working and volunteering at the Library to bring happiness to the community, as well as having access to the wonderful books that go by her desk.
Favorite Books:
- Bel Canto, by Ann Patchett
- You Are a Badass, by Jen Sincero
- How to Stop Time, by Matt Haig
I started working at the Mamaroneck library as a circulation clerk in June of 2021. I’m a college student majoring in English with a focus in creative and professional writing. I’m very passionate about writing and love being able to find inspiration for my stories through the books at the library. I’ve been coming to the library since I was little so I very much enjoy working here and getting to meet all of the different patrons. Some of my favorite books are The Fault In Our Stars, Water For Elephants, and I love poetry collections.
I was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York. I’m a graduate of Stuyvesant High School, and have a BA in Historical Studies from Empire State College (SUNY), and obtained my MSLIS from Pratt Institute. I am a member of Beta Phi Mu, an international honor society for library and information studies. I moved to Westchester in 2002, and loved my life in Shrub Oak. Currently, I reside with my wife in Connecticut.
My favorite books are:
- Portnoy’s Complaint, by Philip Roth
- Our Lady of the Flowers, by Jean Genet
- The Three Stigmata of Palmer Eldritch, by Philip K. Dick
Susan was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York and raised her family in Northern Westchester. Susan has loved libraries since she was a little girl (and remembers practicing writing her name over and over before registering for her first library card) continuing on to high school, when she was a page at the Mid-Manhattan branch of the NYPL. She took a detour and worked in film production for several years, then went back to school for her MLS. Susan enjoyed a long career as a school Library Media Specialist in private and public schools in Westchester County and is excited to work with the wonderful community in Mamaroneck. When not spending time with her family, she can be found reading, watching movies, cooking (and eating) or taking long walks while listening to a book.
Susan recently enjoyed The Beekeeper of Aleppo by Christy Lefteri, The Midnight Library by Matt Haig, This Is How It Always Is by Laurie Frankel and Caste by Isabel Wilkerson.
I have been a lifelong resident of Yonkers, NY. I graduated Iona College in 2019 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Information Systems. My role is to help make the library as technology efficient as possible. I love introducing new technology to people and helping them get more comfortable with the many tools that are available today. In my free time, I am a big movie fanatic, an avid gamer, and love to talk about anything and everything football related.
My three favorite books are:
The Outsiders, by S. E. Hinton
Son, by Lois Lowry
The Great Gatsby, by F. Scott Fitzgerald
I am a lifelong resident of Mamaroneck. I attended Central, Hommocks, and Mamaroneck High School. The wonderful education I received fostered my passion for lifelong learning. In December of 2019, I graduated with a BA in Psychology from Iona College. In December of 2021, I graduated with an MSLIS in Library and Information Science from St. John’s University. I have experience working in academic libraries such as Iona College and Pace University at their Pleasantville campus and public libraries within Westchester County such as Bronxville Public Library, Harrison Public Library, and their West Harrison Branch.
I’m a high schooler and an aspiring philosopher. Being around books my entire life, I love being enveloped by the space the library provides. Besides reading books, I also avidly enjoy reading webcomics/webfiction, listening to kpop, and playing Hidato. I always look for new recommendations but some of my current favorite books/comics are Cheese in the Trap by Soonkki, This is How You Lose the Time War by Amal El-Mohtar and Max Gladstone, Know My Name by Chanel Miller, and the Timmy Failure series by Stephen Pastis.
I enjoy working in the Children’s Department and watching children discover and explore. Peter and the Starcatchers by Dave Barry is my favorite read aloud children’s book. Historical fiction is my preferred genre, The Personal Librarian by Marie Benedict is my latest read. When not reading, I can be found hiking, knitting, puzzling (word and jigsaw) and exploring.
Susan has worked at Adult Reference at the Mamaroneck Library since 2011. You may have also seen her at Circulation from 2006-2008, where she started at Mamaroneck and fell in love with libraries, leading her to obtain a master’s degree in library and information science. Now a librarian, she loves helping people find and interact with information. She has wide-ranging tastes in fiction, encompassing both heartfelt novels and satiric comedy. Some of her favorites include:
1. The Secret Language of Flowers by Vanessa Diffenbaugh
2. The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd
3. Stay Classy! by Ron Burgundy
I grew up on the Hudson side of Westchester and look forward to learning more about this side of the county. I have a BA in History from SUNY New Paltz and a MLS with a certificate in Archives and Preservation of Cultural Materials from Queens College. I decided to pursue a degree in Library Science after interning at a number of different archives in the Hudson Valley and working in a public library in Orange County, NY. I currently work as an archivist during the week and am excited to bring my archive skills to the library. During my free time I enjoy trying out new recipes, listening to audiobooks and podcasts, and spending time with my dog. I love connecting people with knowledge and information, and look forward to getting to know the Mamaroneck community.
Favorite Genres: Historical Fiction, Fantasy, and Thrillers.
I was born in New York City and have lived in New Jersey, San Francisco, Prague, and Dublin. I’ve been a library lover since getting my first card at age six at the Westwood Public Library where I also worked as a page all through high school. I received a BA in English Literature from Rutgers University, an MA in English Literature/Creative Writing from the City College of NY, and my MLS from Long Island University Palmer School. I’ve worked at academic and medical libraries but prefer the egalitarian nature and community connection of public librarianship. I live in Nyack, NY with my kids, two cats and two dwarf rats. I love reading, writing stories and essays, running, biking, hiking, traveling, animals and cooking.
A few of my favorite books:
Portrait of a Lady by Henry James
The Secret History by Donna Tartt
Are You Somebody: the Accidental Memoir of an Irish Woman by Nuala O’Faolain
I was born and raised in Virginia Beach, went to James Madison University (BA – English), and moved to NYC in 2003. I have been an actress, bartender, rock star, event coordinator, vet tech, stay-at-home mom and finally a Library Page — leading to a position in Marketing through my desire to serve the library and community in a greater capacity. I enjoy woodworking, gardening, painting, crochet and street hockey. I live in Rye Neck with my husband, daughter and two cats.
Favorite books I read last year: The Alchemist, Animal Dreams, The Book Thief.