Pictured above are the Board of Directors of the newly-formed Foundation for the Yonkers Public Library, and guests, left to right: Jimin Han, Alison Marra, Anietra Guzman-Santana, Anna Birrittella, Rick Stoddard, Laura Fahrenthold, Nancy Maron, Kofi Sansculotte, Diana Lugo-Martinez, Mary Hoar, Jaime Martinez, Lisa Reyes, Veera Hiranandani, Joann Li, Kathleen Ruen, Teresa Pereira
“My alma mater was books, a good library,”. Malcolm X
By Dan Murphy
On October 17, the newly-formed Foundation for the Yonkers Public Library hosted its inaugural gala, New Beginnings, at the Riverfront Library. The event drew over 150 guests for an evening full of great writing, music, and friends.
Acclaimed local authors Veera Hiranandani, Jimin Han, and Laura Fahrenthold shared their new works, guests danced to the music of the Joey Berkley Band, and for an evening, the 4th floor of the Riverfront Library was transformed into a festive, mood-lit party space. Foundation president Nancy Maron said, “Funds raised will permit YPL to expand educational programming in the libraries. We are thrilled to be able to help YPL and the people who love and depend on it.”
For the past 125 years, the Yonkers Public Library has served this great city. Today, a dedicated group of library staff and volunteers continue that journey. The importance of our 3 libraries in Yonkers cannot be overstated, because the library is where, as columnist Pete Hamill said “For those without money, the road to the treasure house of the imagination begins at the public library.”
Throughout the first two decades of my life, I cherished and enjoyed the library and all that is has to offer. Now I have the duty to report to all of you on what the Yonkers Public Library has to offer all of its residents, young and old.
Former First Lady Laura Bush, also a former librarian, said, “Children know that if they have a question about the world, the library is the place to find the answer. And someone will always be there to help them find the answer–our librarians. Our nation runs on the fuel of information and imagination that libraries provide. Librarians inform the public, and by doing so, they strengthen our great democracy. I have found the most valuable thing in my wallet is my library card. First Lady Laura Bush.”
Yonkers can be proud of its libraries and staff that serve them. And on your way out the door you can always pick up a copy of Yonkers Rising.
