Library Director, Patricia Barresi Retires

Patricia Barresi, the director of the John C. Hart Memorial Library for almost twenty-one years, is retiring on June 26. She spent the twenty-two years before that at the New Rochelle Public Library, working up from Librarian to Assistant Director.

In 1994, she became Director of the Hart Library. With computer usage and internet growing rapidly at the time, many claimed that libraries would soon be obsolete. This proved false however. The patrons of the Hart Library, as well as libraries across the US, access traditional books, newspapers and magazines, audio books, e-readers, DVDs, access the internet and do research, often with the help of extraordinary Research Librarians. Libraries are busier than ever, the Hart is the third-busiest library in Westchester County!

Under her management, the Hart Library has added a plethora of devices, computers for internet and the library catalog, novel ways to read such as e-books and audio-books, enlarged the entire collection, DVD's, CD's and books. Circulation has increased in every area and people still take out traditional books! She invigorated book displays and added numerous programs for every age group along with cultural programs like concerts and theater. And finally, under her guidance, a full renovation of the Children’s Room was completed last year.

Ms. Barresi plans on relaxing, volunteering and spending time with her grandchildren during her well-deserved retirement.