Larchmont Library Opens Its Doors to New Director

Although longtime director lives on throughout the —including the $3.2 million Children’s Room renovation that occurred during her tenure and the circulation desk that bears a plaque attesting to her years of service—a new chapter will unfold when Library Director Laura Eckley begins her first day of work on Monday, Feb. 6.

The position—which has been vacant since Courtney’s retirement in June 2011—was temporarily filled by June Hesler, the head of the reference department, while the board searched for a replacement.

The Larchmont Library serves the Village of Larchmont and the unincorporated Town of Mamaroneck.  According to Board Chair Pamela Dubitsky, the circulation of books and other items has increased steadily over the past few years from 363,005 to 371,460 in 2009-10 to 380,926 in 2010-11.

Eckley began working with the Rye Reading Room as a part-time reference librarian, eventually moving to the Bronxville Library as the head of the children’s library and then, in 2009, became the director.  Her move to Larchmont was based on the library’s stellar reputation, she said, and she “jumped on the opportunity when it presented itself.” 

She declined to comment, however, on the Journal News report of a lawsuit between her and the Village of Bronxville over a raise that was rescinded last year and whether it affected her decision to leave her position.

But the jump from Bronxville to Larchmont may not be that different. Larchmont and Bronxville bear similarities in both demographics and small-town feel, making the transition not entirely a foreign experience.

“I’m mostly excited to get to know the community and what they’re looking for as a library/cultural center,” said Eckley, adding that she envisions the library as a community hub for people to come together.

And, as times have changed, so has the role of the librarian.

Library patrons that may have had trouble navigating computerized card catalogs in past years now ask what the significance of social media like Twitter and Facebook are, said Eckley, who explains the increasing importance of technology education for the community.

“There’s no end to what kinds of questions the library can answer,” she said.

And it would probably be difficult to envision a library director that didn’t like to devour a good book every now and again, Eckley being no exception.  Her favorites include non-fiction, contemporary history, NY Times Bestsellers and cookbooks, minus the recipes.

“I have a good cooking vocabulary,” she joked.

Ultimately, though, she views the library as playing a critical role in the village.

“It has wonderful programs, educational opportunities and is a port for people to come and learn about technology,” she said.