Brewster Public Library Mission Statement

Brewster Public Library, a service oriented library, which belongs to the Mid-Hudson Library System and the Putnam County Library Association, provides books and other library resources for people of all ages and the information and technology that they need to develop a life-long habit of reading and library use. The library affords the community the opportunity to participate in cultural, creative pursuits and activities. The pursuit of independent education is also emphasized by the diversity of the collection and interlibrary loan.  The Brewster Public Library is dedicated to making the Town of Southeast a rewarding, attractive, and satisfying place to live and work:

The Goal/Objectives of the Brewster Public Library read as follows:

Fundamental to the Goals and Objectives devised for the Brewster Public Library are certain basic assumptions about its services and operations:

The Brewster Public Library:

    Is a free public library

    Provides materials on all points of view

    Serves all individuals of all ages and respects their right  to choose their own materials

    Support the  American Library Association Bill of Rights and the principals of intellectual freedom

    Is responsible to the community served

    Is actively staffed by committed individuals who work together to provide quality library service

    Emphasizes a management style that supports involved and innovative staff

    Utilizes technology as appropriate for the best delivery of services.

Board of Trustees:

Kevin Finnegan, President
Peter Carey, Vice President
Kathleen Sakowicz, Secretary
Michael Conn, Financial Officer
Jennifer Carpiniello, Trustee
Kathleen Catalano, Trustee
Kapil Gupta, Trustee
George Joiner, Trustee
Katherine O’Sullivan, Trustee

Click here for an application to join the Board of Trustees. You may drop off your completed application at the library front desk or mail it to:
Brewster Public Library
Board of Trustees
79 Main Street
Brewster, NY 10509

Bylaws of the Board of Trustees

2023 Budget

Board Meeting Minutes

2023 Minutes:

October, 2023 (draft)
September, 2023
August, 2023
July, 2023
June, 2023
May, 2023
April, 2023
March, 2023
February 22, 2023
February 1, 2023 (snow date for January meeting)

2022 Minutes:

November, 2022
October 26, 2022 – regular meeting
October 12, 2022 – special meeting
October 6, 2022 – special meeting 
September, 2022 
August 24, 2022 (regular meeting)
August 11, 2022 – special meeting
July, 2022
June, 2022
May, 2022
April, 2022
March, 2022
February, 2022
January, 2022 (regular meeting)
January 14, 2022 (special meeting) 
January 3, 2022 (special meeting)

2021 Minutes:

December 7, 2021 (special meeting)
November, 2021
October 27, 2021
September 29, 2021 (special meeting)
September, 2021 (regular meeting)
August, 2021
July. 2021
June, 2021
May, 2021
April, 2021
March, 2021
February, 2021
January 27, 2021
January 6, 2021

Library History

Edith Diehl started the Brewster Public Library in 1896 with a collection of 500 books at a storefront on Park Street. The present Federal style building donated by Andrew Ferris opened in 1931. The collection now contains over 25,000 items including books, newspapers, magazines, videos, DVDs, books on tape and CD, and Music CDs. Anyone living or working in the town of Southeast or Village of Brewster may apply for a library card which may be used at all 71 libraries in the Mid-Hudson Library System. As a member of the Mid-Hudson Library System, the Brewster Public Library accepts all borrowers cards issued to the residents of Putnam, Dutchess, Ulster, Greene, and Columbia Counties.

The Brewster Public Library’s public access computers provide free Internet access as well as word processing software. On site reference service is available by trained staff via the reference collection and online databases.

The library’s catalog and databases are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week via computer from home. Cardholders may check their patron records, renew materials, place hold requests, and search the online catalog.

The library offers story times and special programs for patrons of all ages and homework help for children in grades K-8. Computers are available for use by children in the Stefani P. Gosselink Children’s Room.

The Brewster Public Library is accessible to people with disabilities throughout the building.

Library Staff

Library Director: Gina Loprinzo
Program Coordinator:  Barbara Leichter
Senior Clerks: Steven Plummer, Jennifer Cortes Prado
Clerks: Erica Carranza, Lupe Miguel, Dawn O’Creene, Stephanie Schleicher, Jason Vitetta
Maintenance Worker: Jim DiMauro
Page: Joseph Jimenez

Policies