Meet the two candidates running to fill one Chappaqua Library board seat
May 16, 2008
Editor’s note: NewCastleNOW.org asked the two candidates for the Chappaqua Library board to respond to some questions about themselves and the library so the community could get to know them a little better. Here are their responses. (We listed the two candidates alphabetically.)
BARBARA LOWENTHAL
Tell us a little about yourself. What do you do? How many years have you lived in New Castle?
I’m Barbara Lowenthal, a registered architect, college professor and mother of two, Matthew Voelker, 19, and Joseph Voelker, 14. (My husband and I have different last names so many people in the community think of me as Barbara Voelker). We’ve lived in New Castle since 1998.
Why are you running for the Library Board seat?
I’ve been a devoted patron of the library for ten years. Running for the board is an opportunity to be of service to a local cultural institution that has been an ongoing source of learning and, honestly, joy.
What’s the biggest issue for our library (or libraries in general) in the next year? The next five years?
The Library Board adopted a long range plan in July 2007 that outlines the most significant short and long term challenges. I think the long range plan generally got it right. In the short term, the biggest issue facing the library is the expansion/renovation of the Children’s Library. In the longer term, issues to be addressed include: providing additional parking; considering the addition of new technologies to improve library services to patrons; continuing improvements to the facility that ensure that the library is a comfortable, inviting space, i.e., renovating toilets; maintaining necessary funding and developing new sources of funding.
What do you like most about the library? How do you use the library?
There are tons of things I like about the library: the friendly staff, particularly the librarians; the ability to borrow from anywhere in the Westchester Library System; the excellent reference collection; the serendipity of browsing and finding some wonderful book or recording; the quiet when I need it; the pleasure of watching children get excited by books. I could go on but . . .
What do you think of the renovation?
Asking any architect to evaluate any design is a bit complicated. (You usually get more than you bargained for.) I think the original building, while clearly of its time, was a thoughtful and interesting piece of work and I think the architects of the renovation respected it. The glass enclosure on S. Greeley was a great idea; it has created a wonderful, bright seating/reading area during the day and at night the front of the building glows like a beacon for the community. And the new ceiling fixtures are great.
Less successful are the new reference desk and circulation area. I think the relocation of the circulation desk works well but I’m not sure the glass partition is a good idea; the employees may feel that they are on display and I don’t think the area receives much borrowed light. The reference desk relocation might also seem like a good idea but again, the reference librarians are on display, rather like receptionists at an office. This does make it easy for patrons to find them but I preferred the coziness of the old location. Another less successful aspect of the design is the new millwork (built-ins); the detailing and the oak are too old-fashioned for the building.
So, in short, very successful on the large scale and less successful on the smaller scale.
What do you think about a library book drop in Millwood?
Conveniently located just outside Rocky’s? Seriously, I haven’t yet given this idea much thought.
CATHERINE CAMPBELL NESBIT
Tell us a little about yourself. What do you do? How many years have you lived in New Castle?
I am a professional musician - voice teacher, choral conductor and accompanist. I grew up in Georgia, but moved to New York City in 1980. Our family moved to Chappaqua almost 4 years ago. I have one son who is in 4th grade.
Why are you running for the Library Board seat?
I am running for the board of the library, quite simply, because I love and believe in the library more than just about anything else and I also felt it was a way to give back to my community. Some people feel “called” to the PTA, others to the Volunteer Ambulance Corps, but I feel so strongly about the importance of the library in our community that I wanted to be a part of the on-going life and improvement of this wonderful place. I am eager and willing to do anything I can to help our library meet the needs of our community.
What’s the biggest issue for our library (or libraries in general) in the next year? The next five years?
In my opinion, the main issue facing the library is a better use of the existing interior space. I feel the children’s library is too small and that with outside help, the interior of the library could be re-designed to make the children’s area more spacious and welcoming for our children. I also think that library parking is a big problem, though, hopefully some of that can be alleviated with the cooperation of the town. I know of people who have hoped to attend programs at the library and have finally given up on a parking place and left. Though street parking is available, that is limited and can present a traffic hazard with people crossing over a busy street. I do believe there are solutions but they will be challenging to come up with and require cooperation from the town and/or neighboring organizations.
What do you like most about the library? How do you use the library?
I have been fortunate enough to perform twice there as part of the music presentations. I also use the library as a resource for my work. I am always there researching music, books, CD’s and DVD’s that I use in my teaching. It is so great to be able to order materials from all over Westchester and the library has been such a great asset for me in this way. I also read constantly for pleasure and usually walk out the door with five or six books upon each visit. My son and I love to just stop by and see what’s going on!
I love the small town feel of our library. Seeing familiar faces, getting computer help, attending programs or just stopping by for a movie or book is something I look forward to on a weekly basis. Though technology is wonderful, I would hate to see the library lose its human warmth and accessibility to those in our community who are not so tech savvy.
What do you think of the renovation?
I have concerns about the renovation and feel the interior space needs a re-design as previously mentioned. I think I could bring an “artistic” eye to the board and hope that could be of value.
What do you think about a library book drop in Millwood?
I love the idea of a book drop in Millwood (close by for me) but only if this makes financial and logistical sense for the main library. Since we can drop books at any Westchester Library, I don’t see this as imperative though it would be nice for people who live on this side of town.
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