After five years of service as executive director, Mary Lou Carolan bids farewell to the Newburgh Free Library staff and the greater Newburgh community to pursue her next professional position. Carolan’s last day at the library will be August 18.

Even in the beginning of her tenure, Carolan recognized there needed to be changes in policies, procedures and even increasing the library’s outreach. “When I first began, and I automatically go out into communities and introduce myself, I realized that there were so many organizations and individuals that didn’t know what the library did, never walked into the library, didn’t know what services we provided,” said Carolan. “So my focus immediately was on outreach, and really bringing the library out into the community, and forming a lot of different collaborations with not only the business community, but the arts and cultural community, social services community-based providers. It was really important that the library became a resource.”

During Carolan’s five year tenure, the library endured the impact of the COVID pandemic; concluded and subsequently returned to the Newburgh Mall; welcomed Meg Medina, the 8th National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature; opened the Local History and Tech Hub workspaces; and was able to bring a sculpture of Harriet Tubman to the library plaza, a highlight of her life.

With all that has been done in the five years since, Carolan said she feels that she has left the library in a much better and more relevant space and has laid the foundation for what the library can become in the future. None of the achievements would have been possible without the staff of the library, which Carolan thanked and has had the pleasure of working with. Even as the library system continues to grow and change, Carolan has confidence that the next director will be able to lead the library to the next level with the foundation that has been set by Carolan.

“The role of the library is to bring people together to connect and to inspire that community development, and I really feel like we’ve done that. And I’m so blessed with all of the connections that I’ve made, the relationships that I have, and friendships that I will never lose,” said Carolan.

In an open letter penned to the public, Carolan shared her plans following her departure and her many thanks to the community and library staff. Following her departure, Assistant Director Ben Gocker would serve as Interim Director of the library until the application process begins, which will be conducted by the Newburgh Enlarged City School District as they are the overseeing body of the library.

“I want to let you know that I have accepted another position as the Executive Director of the Cornell Cooperative Extension of Dutchess County effective August 21. This is an excellent opportunity for me to work on a county level and to provide impact and influence for a nationwide educational network. I am excited to bring my skills to a new level and support an outstanding organization,” Carolan said in her letter.

The Cornell Cooperative Extension, per the Cornell website, is an initiative that connects surrounding communities with research conducted by the Cornell University’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) and the College of Human Ecology. This research is meant to empower those communities with a variety of different topics and even certain programming tailored to those communities. Carolan shared that she previously worked with the Cooperative and seeing the opening for the executive director position, applied for and was offered the job.

“I am really proud of all that we have accomplished together for the Newburgh community over the last five years. Working with you to help the Newburgh Free Library bring the community together with successful collaborations, innovative programming, amazing art and cultural projects, outstanding resources and a welcoming and friendly atmosphere has been a highlight of my career,” she continued. “Thank you for the role you have played in my life during my time here - we have a bond that will last forever and I am grateful beyond words for that. My personal email is maryloucarolan@gmail.com and my cell is 845-926-8325. My new work email is: mc2866@cornell.edu effective August 21. Please stay in touch as I want to continue working with you and supporting your work as much as I can. I celebrate you, I thank you and I look forward to this next journey with love, determination and always the community in my heart.”