Newly elected library board meets for the first time

By NEAL RENTZ

The Oct. 22 meeting began a new chapter for the Pound Ridge Library Board of Trustees as two new, one former, and one reelected trustee took their seats for their first meeting of the 2024-25 board year.

Pound Ridge voters went to the polls Sept. 17 to vote for four trustees with varying terms.

The newly elected trustees began their terms Oct. 1, with those who won full terms being on the board through Sept. 30, 2026. 

Former trustee Richard Levan finished on top with 43 votes; first-time candidate Bob Bellhouse received 41 votes; incumbent trustee Jenna Wise was reelected with 38 votes; and another first-time candidate, Alexandra Gallo-Cook, won the fourth seat with 34 votes. Another former trustee, Richard Esman, fell just short of winning a seat, receiving 31 votes.

At Tuesday’s meeting, the trustees took a series of actions, including the election of officers. Valerie Nelson was elected president; John Cristiano was elected vice president; Michael Clark was elected treasurer; and Anne Benefico was elected secretary.

Also appointed were the chairs of the board committees: Finance committee, John Cristiano. Governance/legal committee, Richard Levan. Public relations committee, Jenna Wise. Program development committee, Selena Shen. Human resources committee, Anne Benefico. Long-range planning committee, Michael Clark. Children’s Room committee, Anne Benefico. Parking improvement committee, Valerie Nelson. Technology committee, Michael Clark.

Also at the meeting, the board unanimously approved submitting two grants requests to the Pound Ridge Library Foundation. 

The first is for $13,175 for Digital Literacy tablets, which would be placed at four desktop computer stations in the Children’s Room. “These are the gold standard. They are the top of the line,” Library Director Jennifer Coulter said. The tablets would be tethered at the stations so they could not be moved, she said. 

The second request was for $16,610 for the Everbrite interactive light feature. “This interactive light feature would be a show-stopping addition to the Sensory Room, making the Pound Ridge a true standout among Westchester libraries,” Coulter said. “It aligns with our mission to create an inclusive and welcome environment, enhancing our library’s role as a community hub.” Coulter described it as similar to the Lite-Brite toy, which could be used by library patrons of all ages.

“Sensory rooms are calming, inclusive spaces designed to support neurodivergent individuals by offering a range of sensory experiences helping to reduce anxiety and improve focus,” Coulter said.