Say Hello to Katonah's New Children's Librarian

There's a new face greeting your kids when they enter the Katonah Village Library Children's Reading Room.

The bubbly Stephanie Hartwell-Mandella has been on the job for almost a month now and introduced herself to the community this week through the library's newsletter.

"I am excited to be a part of the KVL team, and I look forward to working with children, families, schools and other community organizations in Katonah," she said in her message.

The Texas native moved to the Northeast to attend Purchase College, where she eventually completed her master's degree. She never left Westchester—now living in New Rochelle, she said she loves coming to work in Katonah.

"I love Katonah, and the patrons and library board are so supportive of the library," she told Patch Wednesday. "I also appreciate having Van Kozelka as a director—she's so hands-on and dedicated."

In her message she also praised , whom she said "has been not only a source of indispensible information, but also a kindred spirit in all things involving children and literature."

She said she will work to accomplish the objectives of the children's room team, which include creating an environment that will empower children, broaden their horizons, support educational needs, and encourage a love of literature and knowledge.

"As a 21st-century librarian, I understand the important position libraries hold in a community. Libraries are evolving and are more than just books. Not only must we meet varied educational and informational needs, libraries are also vibrant community centers."