The New Rochelle Public Library recently announced that Lucille Renwick, president of the library’s Board of Trustees, has been awarded the 2025 Velma K. Moore Award, presented by the Library Trustees Association Section (LTAS) of the New York Library Association (NYLA). The award was formally presented to Renwick at the March 12 meeting of the New Rochelle Public Library Board of Trustees.
Established in 1962 in honor of Velma K. Moore — a longtime public library trustee and leader in advancing library service across New York state — the award recognizes outstanding leadership by a public library trustee who has made significant contributions to the governance and mission of a library. The award includes a $1,500 cash prize, presented to the library or system of the recipient’s choice. Renwick has designated the New Rochelle Public Library as the recipient of the award.
Under Renwick’s leadership, the board navigated a pivotal transition period for the library. Following the retirement of the library director of 18 years, she guided the board through the hiring of an interim director and a successful national search for a permanent director. She has helped strengthen the board’s strategic focus and fostered a strong collaborative partnership with the new director.
Renwick has also played a key role in strengthening relationships between the Library and community partners, including the New Rochelle Public Library Foundation, Friends of the Library, the city of New Rochelle, and the New Rochelle School District. Her leadership has helped expand the library’s visibility and reinforce its mission to improve the lives of New Rochelle residents by encouraging lifelong learning, protecting intellectual freedom, and ensuring equitable access to information.
“Lucille Renwick’s leadership has helped position the New Rochelle Public Library for the future,” said Eugenia Schatoff, executive director of the New Rochelle Public Library. “Her dedication to collaboration, community engagement, and strengthening the library’s role as a welcoming and accessible resource reflects the very best of public service.”
“Lucille’s vision, energy, and commitment have strengthened our Board and expanded the library’s impact throughout the community,” said Rhiannon Navin, secretary of the Library’s Board of Trustees. “The board is proud to see her receive this well-deserved statewide recognition.”
The Velma K. Moore Award is presented annually by the Library Trustees Association Section of NYLA to honor trustees whose leadership advances the mission and impact of libraries across New York state.
The New Rochelle Public Library (NRPL) is a community resource that seeks to improve the life of every citizen in the city. The library offers a comprehensive print and digital collection that includes retrospective and current materials, up-to-date technology for public use, and a wide range of community services and programs tailored to a diverse audience. Chartered in 1894, NRPL is a school-district library with its own operating budget and a board of trustees composed of seven elected members. It has served the 81,500 residents of New Rochelle from its Main Library building in the downtown business district since 1979. A smaller branch, located in the park in front of the New Rochelle High School, was restored through a grassroots effort and currently operates as the Huguenot Children’s Library.
Photo: From left: Eugenia Schatoff, executive director, New Rochelle Public Library; Lucille Renwick, president, New Rochelle Public Library Board of Trustees; Edris Scherer, board bember, Library Trustees Association Section of the New York Library Association; and Terry Kirchner, executive director, Westchester Library System.
