Brooklyn, NY – Brooklyn Public Library (BPL) today announced Susan Marcinek has been elected to serve as the new Chair of the Board of Trustees. The board approved Marcinek at a meeting yesterday.
A life-long lover of libraries, Marcinek began volunteering for BPL’s Adult Literacy Center in 2003. The experience inspired her to earn a master’s degree in library science. She has served on the board of trustees since 2013.
“I am deeply honored to serve as the new Chair of the Board,” Marcinek said. “It is my great privilege to work with Linda Johnson, the library's extremely capable staff and our dedicated board to further the library's mission, which is so essential to the people of Brooklyn. Brooklyn Public Library welcomes, informs and engages with a million visitors who actively seek out our services every year. Now more than ever, libraries are our country's most powerful weapon against isolation, ignorance, and intolerance.”
Marcinek has lived in Brooklyn for over 20 years. In addition to her degree in library science, she earned an MBA from New York University’s Stern School of Business and worked in business and project management with Time Inc. and Jazz at Lincoln Center. She also serves on the board of the Berkeley Carroll School.
“I am looking forward to working with Susan Marcinek in her new role as board chair. At a time when access to information is more important than ever before, we are fortunate to have someone with her invaluable experience in library services and as a library volunteer.” said Brooklyn Public Library President & CEO, Linda E. Johnson. “As she takes on her new role, we are grateful to outgoing chairman Nick Gravante for his leadership over the last few years.”
Marcinek succeeds Nicholas A. Gravante who has served as chair since 2014. He has been a steward of BPL through an unprecedented period of growth, with a historic expansion of service hours and record-breaking program attendance.
“It has been a privilege to serve two terms as the Chair of Brooklyn Public Library’s Board of Trustees,” said outgoing Chair and partner in the law firm Boies Schiller Flexner, Nicholas Gravante. “During my tenure, BPL has seen an unprecedented period of growth, with a historic expansion of service hours and record-breaking program attendance. I am proud to be succeeded by Susan Marcinek, a certified librarian herself, whose leadership will elevate the institution ever further.”
Gravante will be recognized for his leadership and longstanding commitment to the Library on April 24 at BPL’s annual gala.
Other members of the board include: Anthony Crowell, vice-chair; Nina Collins, vice-chair; Peter Aschkenasy, vice-chair; Jordan Barowitz; vice-chair; Miriam Katowitz, treasurer; Robin Shanus; secretary; Michael Liburd, member-at-large; and Blake Foote, member-at-large.
About Brooklyn Public Library
Brooklyn Public Library (BPL) is an independent library system for the 2.5 million residents of Brooklyn. It is the fifth largest library system in the United States with 59 neighborhood libraries located throughout the borough. BPL offers free programs and services for all ages and stages of life, including a large selection of books in more than 30 languages, author talks, literacy programs and public computers. BPL’s eResources, such as eBooks and eVideos, catalog information and free homework help, are available to customers of all ages 24 hours a day at our website: www.bklynlibrary.org.