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Board of Trustees

Next meeting of the LaGrange Association Library Board of Trustees
Thursday, May 9 at 7pm in the Community Room

The Board of Trustees meet on the second Thursday of every month at 7pm in the LaGrange Library Community Room, unless otherwise noted. Please refer to our online calendar for specific dates. Meetings are open to the public.


LaGrange Library is looking for new trustees to fill vacancies on the Library Board. Are you passionate about the Library and looking to get more involved? Be a powerful advocate by becoming a Library Trustee! Prospective trustees must be residents of the Town of LaGrange and at least 18 years of age.

The Library Board of Trustees is an advisory board whose responsibilities include providing support for the Director, ensuring adequate funding for library operations, supporting the Library in its goal to expand its physical plant, serving as advocates for the Library to the LaGrange Town Council, and increasing the visibility of the Library in the community. Please refer to the Handbook of Library Trustees of New York State for more information.

If you’re interested in becoming a Library Trustee or would like further information, contact Library Director Mary De Bellis by phone at (845) 452-3141 or email at mdebellis@laglib.org.


Meet the Trustees

Suzanne (Sue) Davis, President

Sue is a 7th generation LaGrange resident, having lived here since 2007 when she returned from living in Australia. She is a longtime lover of libraries, making sure to visit local libraries in her global travels.

Sue graduated from Johns Hopkins University with a degree in International Relations.  She is currently a Director of Global Research & Insights at Dentsply Sirona, a dental supply company. Prior to joining the Library Board, Sue spent several years on the Vanderbilt Garden Association Board before stepping down to focus on her yoga teacher training.

Devon Bryan, Vice President

Devon and his family moved to LaGrange in 2006.  He is a strong believer that having a well-resourced local library is a great benefit to all residents.  He is a Senior Human Resources Leader with extensive experience serving as a proactive business partner in non-profit and for-profit environments.  Devon has a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Pennsylvania State University and master’s degree in Industrial/Organizational Psychology from Radford University.  He is currently a Director of Human Resources at JDRF (Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation).

Dan Jacobs, Treasurer

Dan received a BS and MS in Computer Science from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and has worked for IBM as a software engineer and project manager for over 30 years.  A resident of LaGrange for 20 years, Dan has also volunteered as a soccer coach and softball coach in Town of LaGrange athletic programs.  His favorite pastime is spending time with his wife Karen and two daughters (when they are around!).  Dan’s first ever job was as a library page in junior high school.  He has always been an ardent user and supporter of libraries and is happy to have the opportunity to give back to the community.

Ann Commisso, Secretary

Ann has been a resident of LaGrange for almost three decades. She enjoys reading and listening to books and the library affords the best of both worlds.  She recently retired after working as a Registered Nurse for thirty seven years. Working as a patient advocate was her most fulfilling role.  Ann also enjoys volunteering at her local church and has worked with the Children’s and Youth Ministries.

Susan Birchman, Trustee

I am so pleased to have the opportunity to give back what I’ve been given from our wonderful library. Reading has always been a huge part of my life. I have fond memories of growing up in NYC and at age 5, carrying bags of books home from our local library (still the same today!) I am married with two grown daughters and two beautiful grandchildren. In my working life, I was blessed with two terrific careers; a nurse for 18 years and an elementary music teacher with the Arlington Central School District for 15 years. In my “spare” time, I love to read, teach piano, and study things like American history, astronomy and music. I am looking forward to serving on the board in whatever capacity is needed because our library is a gift to us all!

Ginnie Genovese, Trustee

Ginnie earned BAs in Sociology and Philosophy from SUNY Geneseo, as well as a Master’s in Library Science.  She has worked in a variety of libraries, including university, K-12, and research libraries.  She became a mother of two, and ultimately settled into high school librarianship when she had the opportunity to join a team of educators who were tasked with opening the first comprehensive high school in her small district. Ginnie retired in 2014 and is delighted to continue her life’s work as a library advocate in her new role as a trustee, supporting the mission and vision of her local library.  It is a true passion.

Jack Jones, Trustee

Jack received a Bachelors and Masters in Business administration from The College of Saint Rose in Albany, NY after moving to the United States from Australia. He is passionate about the value that libraries and their services bring to a community and is excited to help be a part of the library’s continued success. He is a recent LaGrange resident, moving here with his wife Jocelyn and currently works as a communications specialist for Tompkins Community Bank.

Keith LaRose, Trustee

Keith graduated from Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism in 1975 and obtained his law degree from Syracuse University in 1978.   He has lived in Dutchess County for 44 years and has been a resident of the Town of LaGrange for 13 years.  He and his 2 children have made extensive use of the library.  Keith joined the Board in January 2022 and in June of 2022 he closed his law practice, enabling him to devote even more time to the library.  He believes that an active library is a great benefit to the community through the many services it provides and is excited by how the additional available space will allow for an expansion of these services and materials.

Melanie Wargo, Trustee

Melanie was born and raised in Palisades (Rockland County) NY, and some of her favorite childhood memories include frequent visits to the library, Girl Scout activities, and climbing a tree in her backyard to sit and read books all summer long.  A graduate of Dominican College of Blauvelt with a B.A. in Mathematics and certification to teach N-6, Melanie moved to LaGrange in 1982.  She worked as a Senior Account Clerk for the Arlington Central School District for 22 years, volunteering to serve as Union Secretary for 20 years, and successfully negotiating 4 (4-year) contracts during her tenure.

Prior to joining the Library Board, Melanie volunteered with Girl Scouts, Cub Scouts, Vassar Brothers Hospital Mother’s Club, the LaGrange Community Day Committee, and still serves multiple positions with Lions Clubs International at the local club, district and state level.


Board Meeting Minutes and Committee Reports for those years not available online will be provided upon request by contacting Library Director Mary De Bellis at mdebellis@laglib.org.