'Financial Irregularities' At The Mamaroneck Library

MAMARONECK, NY — The Mamaroneck Public Library is warning that "financial irregularities" recently uncovered could lead to "difficult financial decisions ahead."

In a joint statement from the Mamaroneck Public Library Board of Trustees President and the Library Director about the stunning financial irregularities being investigated, the officials said that an investigation is still ongoing.

"Last month, the Library Board of Trustees was made aware of financial irregularities involving the Library’s business office," the library's leadership announced. "As a result, the Library’s business official was immediately placed on administrative leave and a financial forensic audit was initiated. This audit was focused on potential misappropriation and the status of all Library accounts."

On Wednesday, the library’s business official resigned. The financial forensic audit is continuing, however, and the library said it will take any and all measures necessary to address whatever issues are raised during that investigation.

"We remain entirely committed to conducting a full investigation and working with the Village, the public, and all other agencies to maintain our great Library and the public faith," the library leadership said. "We realize that there will inevitably be many questions as we move forward and we respectfully request the public’s patience while we continue this process and until we are able to provide everyone with the complete and accurate answers that are deserved."

In the statement, library officials said they understand that there "may be difficult financial decisions ahead," but said the library remains "committed to serving the community as it has for the past hundred years."

In a statement released Friday afternoon, Village of Mamaroneck Mayor Tom Murphy addressed concerns the library will have to make major cutbacks due to the scope of the financial irregularities. Murphy said that while the library is independent of village hall, there may be ways the village can help.

"As Mayor I do not want to see my community be unserved by a Library," Murphy said. "Many of our residents depend upon the Library for books, internet access, classes and a sense of community. It is a vital and a wonderful institution in our Village. I have told the Library that I want them to stay operational and if there is a way that we can legally help them, while protecting our residents and taxpayers, I would be open to exploring those possibilities. To that end I have reached out to the New York State Comptroller's office to see what are our options to assist, if any, under the law. We are gathering information for the Comptroller's office and our Village Attorney is talking to their legal department. Any actions, of course, would have to be approved by Board of Trustees."

Murphy said the investigation will lead to consequences, should there be evidence of malfeasance, but he urged compassion for those who are affected the most by the growing financial scandal.

"I can say without any reservations that the Library Board and staff are very good community minded residents who are committed to righting the ship and fixing any issues that they discover during their investigation," Murphy said. "If I can help them in this process I surely will."