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:

Mr. Peter Carey, President
Mr. John Blaser, Vice President
Mr. Kevin Finnegan, Secretary
Mr. Robert Gosselink, Financial Officer
Ms. Jackie Boissonnault, Trustee
Ms. Margaret Bruen, Trustee
Mr. Michael Conn, Trustee
Mrs. Karen DeSantis, Trustee
Ms. Kathleen Sakowicz, Trustee

Board Meeting Minutes

2020 Minutes:

November 18, 2020
October 28, 2020
September 23, 2020
August 26, 2020
July 22, 2020
June 26, 2020 (Special Meeting)
June 24, 2020 (Regular Meeting)
June 2, 2020 (Special Meeting)
May 2020
April 2020
March 25, 2020 (Regular Meeting)
March 11, 2020 (Special Meeting)
February 2020
January 2020

2019 Minutes:

October 2019
September 2019
August 28 2019 (regular meeting)
August 13, 2019 (special meeting)
July 2019
June 2019
May 2019
March 2019
February 2019
January 2019

2018 Minutes:

December 2018
November 2018
October 2018
September 2018
August 2018
July 2018
June 2018
May 2018
April 2018
March 2018
February 2018
January 2018

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 Midhudson Library System. As a member of the Midhudson 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 and the electronic catalog op library holdings of the Brewster Public Library and other libraries in the region. 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 or office. 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 children of all ages; school visits,chess instruction, and homework help for children. Computers with educational games and software are available for use by children ages 4-10 in the children’s room. The library also offers computer instruction, lectures, art exhibits, writing and photography workshops, and book discussion groups as well productions by the Brewster Theater Group..

The Brewster Public Library is accessible to people with disabilities on each floor, and each floor has an accessible restroom. However, at this time we have only a stairway connecting the two floors. We hope to install an elevator during a future expansion project.

There are parking spaces reserved for the disabled near each entrance, but only metered parking is available for all at this time. Certain areas of the stacks are not easily accessible to anyone — staff is always available to obtain these materials for people who request them.

While everyone is welcome to attend our programs, we have not had any specifically designed for the disabled. We do make every attempt to accommodate all who attend our programs, and hope to provide programs for people with disabilities in the future.

Library Staff

Library Director: Gina Loprinzo
Senior Clerk: Steven Plummer
Youth Services/Programming: Danielle Argentieri
Clerks: Jennifer Cortes Prado, Erica Carranza
Maintenance Worker: Jim DiMauro

Policies