The Mid-Hudson Library System (MHLS) Board of Trustees has appointed Rebekkah Smith Aldrich as the new MHLS Executive Director. Rebekkah has worked for MHLS for over twenty years in a variety of roles, most recently as the Coordinator for Library Sustainability. Over the course of her career she has demonstrated her ability as a future focused library leader dedicated to helping communities thrive through public library service.

MHLS Board of Trustees Executive Committee (l-r) Treasurer Barry Ramage, Board Member Lisa Baker Brill, Executive Director Rebekkah Smith Aldrich, President Mark Wilson, Vice President Richard Swierat (not pictured- Secretary Michele Ment)

 

"Rebekkah brings to the job her extensive experience within the Mid-Hudson Library System, as well as the numerous connections she has made through her work with the New York Library Association (NYLA) and other professional associations," noted Mark Wilson, President of the MHLS Board of Trustees. "She is well-positioned to lead the System."

"I'm looking forward to working with Rebekkah in her new role as Executive Director," said Thea Schoep, director of the Claverack Library and chair of the MHLS Directors Association, "She has proven to be innovative and supportive with leading libraries in our system as we've worked to become more environmentally conscious, more patron friendly and progressive in our outlook to our communities' needs. It will be exciting to move forward with her as she takes MHLS into the future."

 

Named a Library Journal "Mover & Shaker" in 2010, Rebekkah is known nationally for her work on the topic of sustainability in libraries, authoring two recent books on the topic. Rebekkah is professionally active, serving as the co-founder and co-chair of the groundbreaking NYLA Sustainability Initiative, co-chair of the American Library Association's Special Task Force on Sustainability and a member of the Center for the Future of Libraries Advisory Group. Rebekkah also serves as the chair of the NYLA Legislative Committee and recently co-authored a forthcoming edition of the Handbook for Library Trustees of New York State. Rebekkah has a Master's degree in library science from Southern Connecticut State University and an Advanced Certificate in Public Library Administration from the Palmer Institute for Public Library Organization & Management from Long Island University.

 

"I am both honored and energized to take on this new role at MHLS," said Rebekkah. "I am a strong believer in the power of a local public library to help make the world a better place. I look forward to collaborating with our board of trustees, staff and member library leaders to ensure the citizens of the Hudson Valley have access to quality library service that makes a positive difference in their lives."

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