New Rochelle Library Crosses The Hudson To Find Its New Director

NEW ROCHELLE, NY — There were big shoes to fill and now the Board of Directors of the New Rochelle Public Library has made it's decision.

The library has hired Eugenia Schatoff as its new Library Director, effective in October. The appointment was made following a four-month-long nationwide search before landing on a candidate with deep ties to the community.

The board said Schatoff will be tasked with overseeing the continued revitalization of the library, with a renewed emphasis on ensuring the library is a best-in-class facility, expanding programming and services to meet the needs of the diverse and growing New Rochelle community, and strengthening community partnerships.

"Eugenia is a results-driven, experienced leader who will bring a sophisticated approach to systems, processes, management and structure, which makes her ideal for our new Director at an important time for the Library," New Rochelle Public Library Board of Trustees President Lucille Renwick said. "What was most impressive is her deep passion for public libraries and the enthusiasm and commitment she has brought to her work. The Board is delighted she is joining our team and is confident she will lead NRPL to new heights and be a tremendous asset to our community."

Schatoff’s impressive public library career began at the Albany Public Library where she started as a clerk, and then interned in the Community Relations department working on their bookmobile. She continued to work her way through the ranks, first as a Teen Librarian, then School Librarian, and eventually as a Library Director at Watervliet and West Nyack Public Libraries.

Her most recent role has been as the Director of the Pearl River Public Library where she oversaw a bond referendum campaign to renovate the existing building. Schatoff was a 2024 recipient of the 17th district's Congressional Woman of Distinction Award and was named New York Library Association’s Innovative Library Director of the Year for 2023.

"Coming from an immigrant family, public libraries have always represented the pathway to participation in American society for me," Schatoff said. "I'm honored to have the chance to collaborate with such a committed board and talented group of professionals. I am thrilled to give back to the vibrant New Rochelle community, which is especially meaningful to me, given my mother’s nearly 30-year tenure as a teacher at Isaac E. Young Middle School."

Schatoff received a BA in Eastern European Area Studies from Excelsior College, an MA in Russian and an MSIS, Library and Information Services from the University at Albany, and an advanced graduate certificate in Public Library Administration from Long Island University. She lives in Rockland County with her husband and three children.