Kaplan and Mayer Named Co-Presidents of the Friends of the Scarsdale Library

Stacey Mayer, Dara Gruenberg and Nancy KaplanThe Friends of the Scarsdale Library (FOSL) Board is pleased to announce the election of new co-presidents, Nancy Kaplan and Stacey Mayer. Their term begins April 1, 2023.

Kaplan and Mayer succeed Dara Gruenberg, who has been a key player in the Library’s immense transformation. Most notably, Gruenberg led the successful Capital Campaign, working with the Village to reimagine the SPL’s beloved Olmsted home and raised more than $8 million to help fund the renovation. Over the course of Gruenberg’s tenure, the role of the Friends Board of Directors was reconceived and adapted to suit the changing needs of the Library, including holding special events that both raised funds and brought residents of all ages together.

“Dara has been invaluable to the Friends of the Scarsdale Library and a crucial part of the success of the new Library,” said Kaplan. “We are very excited to carry on her legacy now that the Library is renovated and COVID concerns are lessening.”

“Our community can take full advantage of all that the Library has to offer. The support from the Friends does so much to enrich the partnership between the village and the Library and we are honored to be part of that mission,” added Mayer.

Gruenberg and the FOSL Board worked closely with SPL Director, Beth Bermel, and the Library Board to complete the renovation despite the difficulties associated with the pandemic, handling the many challenges COVID presented with grace and careful consideration of the community’s well-being. "I am fortunate to have worked closely with Dara over the last eight years. Her boundless energy and dedication at the helm of the FOSL during the Capital Campaign and renovation were instrumental in making the Scarsdale Public Library what it is today,” said Bermel. “The Friends of the Scarsdale Library has always been a strong supporter of the Library, and I look forward to working with Stacey and Nancy as they take the helm." Kaplan and Mayer are excited to continue the momentum ensuring that the Library continues to be a gathering place for exploration, learning and connection for all.

After moving to Scarsdale in 2017, Kaplan immediately got involved in the community, helming the Parents Association at Kids Base/The Little School from 2017-2019; she is currently on the PTA Executive Committee at Greenacres Elementary School. Kaplan, a professionally trained dancer, also sits on the Board of Trustees at the vaunted Jacob’s Pillow in Becket, MA where she serves as the Assistant Deputy Director and is a member of the philanthropy committees.

Mayer has been a Scarsdale resident since 2015 and is currently an associate real estate broker. Her prior experience includes working as an attorney and serving as the Secretary of the Board of Directors at Kids Base/The Little School. Additionally, she has worked on the Talent Management Team at The Accelerated Project (TAP).

Gruenberg stated, “I cannot think of two more capable people to begin the next chapter of the Friends’ eight decades of service to Scarsdale’s Library than Nancy and Stacey. They are enthusiastic, creative and will both bring tremendous energy and vision to the presidency. I am eternally grateful to the community for giving me the opportunity to serve the library since the inception of the renovation campaign in 2014 until today. I can’t wait to see how Nancy and Stacey continue to grow in their new roles and find innovative ways to serve SPL and to harness the talents of the members of the FOSL Board. The future of the Friends is bright under their leadership.”

The Library in the Park Fundraising Campaign is the next project underway. FOSL will aim to fund enhancements to the exterior campus including outdoor programming space.