If you want people to come in, you have to reach out.” For libraries, it is about connecting with their school districts, collaborating with local small businesses, engaging with legislators, and listening to their communities.

“All success in life is based on the ability to build and maintain strong relationships. Carolan believes public libraries are uniquely positioned to be partners in education, proponents of the arts, as well as leaders in innovative community development.ĭrawing from over sixteen years of library experience, and twenty years’ experience managing community-based organizations, Carolan asserts that a successful, sustainable library must be seen and experienced as an integral part of the infrastructure of every community. Mary Lou Carolan has transformed small rural, suburban, and city libraries into vibrant community hubs using a blend of innovative marketing techniques, strategic community collaborations, legislative advocacy, extreme customer service, and creative placemaking principles. She is a member of the Philipstown Trails Committee and Hudson Valley for NYHA, a resident-focused group working to get the New York Health Act passed in New York State. She currently sits on the board of the Fullerton Center in Newburgh, the EDI (Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion) Committee at Haldane School District, and is Co-Chair of the Trolley Committee for the Chamber of Commerce of Cold Spring. Ramirez enjoys the heck out of volunteering. With her husband Timothy Haskell, she co-founded Nightmare NYC’s Premier Haunted House, pioneering the movement for haunted houses in New York City. Ramirez was instrumental in decreasing the commercial vacancy rate on Washington Avenue from 29% to 16% by working closely with a wide spectrum of community stakeholders. At Heart of Brooklyn, she led the commercial revitalization efforts for the award-winning non-profit cultural partnership of Brooklyn central institutions including Brooklyn Museum, Brooklyn Botanic Garden, Brooklyn Children’s Museum, Brooklyn Public Library, Prospect Park & Prospect Park Zoo.

There she re-launched a defunct banner program, bringing in funds from partners like Pratt Institute, Apple Bank, TD Bank, and independently-owned businesses to support food access and youth programs, street beautification and business retention initiatives. Prior to opening Cold Spring Cheese Shop, a specialty cheese shop in the Hudson Valley region with her husband, she spearheaded marketing and sponsorship at the Myrtle Avenue Revitalization Project (MARP). She has been everything from a theater director and dancer to an arts administrator, blogger, and community leader dedicated to equitable economic development. Rebeca Ramirez has had many roles over the years.

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