This renovation would not be possible without the hard work, vision, and dedication of many individuals. From Library leadership and the Board of Trustees to community volunteers and professional partners, it has taken a collective effort to move this renovation from a concept to a reality. We are incredibly grateful to everyone who has contributed their time and talent to secure the future of the Croton Free Library.
Professional Partners
We have partnered with Butler Rowland Mays Architects (BRMA), a firm highly regarded for its expertise in designing modern, community-focused library spaces. We have been working closely with our primary contact and Principal Architect, Paul Mays, whose vision and collaborative spirit are helping us shape a beautiful, highly functional space.
To help us navigate our ambitious fundraising and community outreach goals, we have retained the experts at Changing Our World. Their targeted guidance has been crucial in building the framework to engage with donors and secure the financial health of the project.
Project & Campaign Committees
Our targeted committees combine the expertise of Library staff, board members, and dedicated community volunteers to handle the specialized needs of the renovation.
Renovation Advisory Committee
- Responsible for helping shape the layout, assessing infrastructure priorities, and reviewing design choices. This committee was made up of the Library director, three members of the community, and two Board of Trustee members.
- Members: Justin Johnson, Susan Ranis, Jesse Bourdon, Melanie Dodson, Ethan Lewis, Meredith Hertlein
Fundraising Outreach Committee
- Tasked with spearheading our financial campaigns and communicating directly with our supporters to turn these blueprints into reality.
- Members: Melanie Dodson, Susan Ranis, Jesse Bourdon, Changing Our World representatives
Library Leadership & Trustees
- Jesse Bourdon, Library Director: Jesse's on-the-ground expertise and intimate understanding of day-to-day Library operations have been instrumental in translating community needs into actionable design and project goals.
- Melanie Dodson, Community Leader: A former Library trustee, Melanie has remained a tireless volunteer and advocate for the Library long after her board term ended. Her ongoing dedication and deep knowledge of libraries is a driving force behind our community outreach.
- Susan Ranis, Board President: Susan has been an anchor for this project since its inception. Her steady leadership and commitment to community stewardship have been vital in guiding the project through every stage of development.
The Board of Trustees: An effort of this magnitude requires a long-term commitment. Every member of the Board of Trustees serving as far back as 2020 has played an integral role in researching solutions, evaluating infrastructure, and planning for the Library's future. We extend our deepest gratitude to all current trustees, as well as those past members who are no longer on the board but left a lasting mark on this process.
Current Library Board Trustees
- Susan Ranis, President, 2029
- Justin Johnson, Vice-President, 2028
- Bethany Basile, Treasurer, 2027
- Laura Jaeger, Secretary, 2026
- Mayla Hsu, 2026
- Margaret Mahoney, 2026
- Marianne Merola, 2027
- Adam Decker, 2028
- Kate Fabian, 2028
- Barry Feinberg, 2028
- Leslie Ellis, 2029