Village appoints Kelly French to Red Hook Public Library board

The Village of Red Hook Board of Trustees on Jan. 9 appointed Kelly French, a Red Hook resident, to fill the remainder of a trustee term at the Red Hook Public Library.

French, who said she has lived in Upper Red Hook since 2015 and is a registered nurse, introduced herself at the meeting and cited volunteer experience and interest in library safety planning as reasons she wanted to serve. "I am a resident of Red Hook. I live in Upper Red Hook. I've been a resident since 2015... I am interested in being a trustee of the library because I have been a lifelong volunteer," French said.

The appointment fills the remainder of the term left by Amy Houston; trustees said the seat runs until April or May 2027. The board moved to appoint French, a motion was seconded, and the mayor conducted a roll-call vote. Charlie Lang, Melkorka Carval, Trustee Steve (first name only in the minutes), Trustee Kim (first name only in the minutes) and the mayor voted yes. The motion carried unanimously.

During a brief Q&A, trustees asked French what challenges she saw for the library over the next five years. French said she is still learning who the library serves and noted the building's age and maintenance needs. "I do know it's a historic building, so there are clearly issues with the building and its maintenance and as far as just being accessible and safe," she said.

Mayor and trustees noted that library trustees are appointed by the village under the library charter, and thanked French for her willingness to serve. The board invited her to remain at the meeting but said she was not required to do so.

The appointment was the only formal action related to the library on the agenda; trustees noted the library is working on a strategic plan and that board materials are posted on the library website.