In 1975, Scarsdale’s Mayor Boine Johnson described the Scarsdale Library as, “the key or central part of the cultural activities of the community” and not just a place for book storage. Nearly 50 years later, our library is still the heart of our magical town, pulsating with children’s programing, author talks, study nights and more.
The energetic pulse of the Scarsdale Library is in large part thanks to The Friends of the Scarsdale Library (FOSL) which supports, advocates, and fundraises for our local library to ensure its success as a dynamic cultural and intellectual center for all.
FOSL’s two amazing co-presidents, Nancy Kaplan and Stacey Mayer, are taking the library into its next chapter. These two amazing moms sat down with Pamela Pekerman of Hustle Like a Mom, to share why they love our library and the people of Scarsdale.
Article By: Pamela Pekerman, Scarsdalian since 2018 and board member Friends of the Scarsdale Library
Pamela: What do you appreciate most about Scarsdale?
Nancy: The energy! We have so many brilliant people who care about the enrichment of our town for the growth of our children. They set aside time to add value to our community.
Pamela: What do you appreciate most about The Friends of the Scarsdale Library (FOSL)?
Stacey: One of the things I’ve enjoyed most about being part of FOSL is working closely with many of our amazing board members. I’ve had the chance to meet and work with people that I might not have otherwise met because our children are different ages, or we are at different points in our life.
Pamela: What does the library mean to you?
Stacey: The library is the gem of our town. It is so much more than a receptacle for books, but a thriving institution. It’s a place that residents of all ages can enjoy for different reasons – programs, author talks, clubs. It’s amazing to go to the library at different points of the day and see it packed with toddlers and their caregivers, retirees doing yoga, high school students studying or doing group projects.
Pamela: Why did you join The Friends of the Scarsdale Library (FOSL)?
Nancy: We moved into Greenacres in 2017, and our neighbors are long time volunteers in the community and got us involved in different organizations. I met Dara Gruenberg, former President of FOSL, at the Scarsdale Bowl Foundation dinner. She spoke fondly about FOSL, and the rest is history.
Stacey: Since moving to Scarsdale in 2015, my family has derived so much enjoyment from the library. When my kids were in preschool, they regularly attended music classes and story time there, always enjoying a visit to the pond after. When my daughter graduated from Kid Base & The Little School, based in Scarsdale, and I rolled off the board, I wanted to get more involved with another organization in town that resonated with me.
Pamela: How did you two meet?
Nancy: Our younger kids (Sienna and Violet) are born one day apart. We met at the Little School when they were in the 3s and 4s together, and became fast friends.
Pamela: Share your fondest library memory.
Nancy: When the newly renovated library opened during Covid, we had a fun family event on the lawn. It was wonderful to see so many residents come out and enjoy the library, and be together again after a long time of isolation.
Pamela: Tell us about your backgrounds and life outside of FOSL.
Nancy: I am a retired professional dancer, but also worked at a hedge fund in investor relations. Besides raising my two children, I am a Board of Trustees at Jacob’s Pillow, an internationally known dance institution. I serve as the Chair of the Education Committee for the dance school there as well. I served on the Executive Committee of the PTA at Greenacres Elementary. My husband and I are involved in Feed Westchester and White Plains Hospital. You will most likely find me at the ice rink, given that both my kids play hockey and my husband is the President of the Scarsdale Hockey Association.
Stacey: I’m a mom to two young girls, and a real estate broker with Houlihan Lawrence in Scarsdale. Prior to real estate, I was an attorney and throughout my legal career I always did tons of pro bono work, with organizations like Save the Children, Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts & The Innocence Project. When I stopped my legal work and pro bono assignments, I wanted a new way to give back. I served on the board of the Little School, volunteered with the Quaker Ridge PTA, and still support my college alumni association.
Pamela: How would you describe Nancy?
Stacey: Nancy is enthusiastic, generous, and a skilled volunteer and operator.. When the former president of the FOSL found out we were friends, she encouraged us to take on the president role together. We have different skill sets and they complement each other perfectly. I just always request that this former Rockette takes on our public speaking!
Pamela: How would you describe Stacey?
Nancy: Stacey is so kind and attentive! You have her full attention when discussing a project. She is organized, thoughtful and efficient. And, she has a deep love for the library and the Scarsdale community.
Pamela: What’s your favorite young adult book?
Stacey: The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafon
Nancy: I know I should support our upcoming gala and say The Great Gatsby, but I recall enjoying Tender is the Night more..
Pamela: What are you currently reading?
Nancy: The Things We Cannot Say by Kelly Rimmer
Stacey: I usually like to have a light read and something heavier, at the same time. I just finished The Women and it was as beautiful as everyone said, so I am going to start another Kristin Hannah book. For a lighter read, I just finished Romantic Comedy.
Pamela: What’s next for our library?
Nancy: We’re so proud to share that FOSL helped The Library in the Park Campaign raise over $2 million to enhance the library’s surrounding two acres of landscaping and turn it into a destination for all Scarsdale residents to enjoy. Our new space will have more outdoor reading lounges, a performance patio, a three season pavilion, and more!
COMING UP October 17, 2024: Friends of the Scarsdale Library host a Gatsby-themed Gala benefiting Scarsdale Library. Enjoy casino games, interactive raffle, libations, food and fun.
About Friends of the Scarsdale Library: The Friends works in partnership with the Library to bring relevant and inspired content to Scarsdale by sponsoring book discussions with popular authors as well as support library programs (e.g., Maker Space, Fossil Frenzy, family concerts), subsidizing the ever popular museum passes, purchasing the latest technology, and making building enhancements.