New faces at the Millbrook Library

MILLBROOK — Many changes have taken place over the past year, the way people work, the way the children learn, how society conducts itself. Going to the library has also changed; there were times when, because of COVID-19, patrons borrowed library materials over the internet, ordered books and then picked them up at the curbside. Slowly, libraries have begun to reopen and return to their regular schedules. Yet some changes have remained,  like the obligatory face masks and social distancing. 

At the Millbrook Library, there are a number of new changes the library is actually happy to announce — new faces — as its staff has had an overhaul that Library Director Courtney Tsahalis said she is pleased announce. Tsahalis said spring is the ideal time to introduced patrons to Terri Konrath, Abigail Gallagher and Kristin Perkins.

Konrath is the new youth and teen services coordinator who actually started in that position shortly before the pandemic. Born in Queens, she loves to read, so working in a library and helping to instill a love of reading in teens seemed the perfect fit for her. She’s also an animal lover, and has worked for the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. She has also worked for Safe Horizons, working with children; it was there she developed a real connection with teenagers.

Prior to accepting the position with Millbrook Library, Konrath fell in love with country living. She worked as a library clerk in Millbrook and at the Pawling Library, and was also a database operator for the Winnakee Land Trust in Rhinebeck. An expert on the computer, she is able to help teens with homework, research and choosing books. 

Konrath devised a survey for her teen clientele when she first arrived at the library, and developed some great programs that had to be shelved or done remotely when COVID hit. She’s now looking forward to implementing those programs, and to seeing her teenage patrons again, in person, sans masks, as soon as it is safe.

Gallagher is the new children’s literacy coordinator, and she loves to develop and deliver virtual children’s programs to her young patrons. Starting a new job during a pandemic has been challenging, she said.

“Though delivering virtual programs is no replacement for in-person programming, it has been a pleasure to engage the children of Millbrook in enrichment programs they enjoy,” she said. 

Abby, as she prefers to be called, said working during a pandemic is obviously different, but there are many programs available: in arts and crafts, science and even music. Working as a tutor, she developed patience and imagination, all of which helps.

“Some of our most successful programs are Virtual Story Time, which is uploaded on the Millbrook Library’s YouTube channel weekly, as well as the Arts and Crafters and the WRITE Stuff,” she said. “When I think of the future here in the children’s room at the library, I intend to continue ensuring safe, enjoyable programs that promote literacy and creativity for all of our youth patrons.”

Perkins is the new adult program coordinator. She has a fascinating profile, and was teaching in Malaysia when the pandemic hit, so was therefore evacuated. She has also been a bookseller and a book reviewer. She has a B.A. in theater, and an M.S. from the University of Texas at Austin.

Returning to the States, Perkins wanted a change. She visited a younger brother who lives in Brooklyn for awhile. She saw a posting for the position at the library, and having a great passion for books, applied. She got the job and started on Jan. 26. She said the snow is beautiful, and is anxious to see what else the area offers, particularly in the way of regional theater. 

“As a Californian transplant, I’m still figuring out how to keep my toes warm,” she quipped, “but my sappy little heart has been warmed by the generosity and kindness of the Millbrook and Dutchess County community.  For me, the joy of programming comes from engaging with a community  and encouraging life-long learning. When I was a little girl with round glasses and a haircut that made me look like a mushroom, filling my arms with books from the shelves and puzzling over the Dewey Decimal System, it seems fitting to find myself working at a library these many years later.” 

She added she’d love to hear any ideas one might have for adult programming.

The Millbrook Library is currently open with restricted services, but with newly expanded WIFI. For more information, go to www.millbrooklibrary.org.