Dobbs Ferry honors retiring library staffer, hears library midyear report and calls for electrification fix

The Dobbs Ferry Village Board recognized Edward Ned Kenora’s 27 years of service to the Dobbs Ferry Public Library on Feb. 10 and proclaimed Feb. 11, 2026, as Ned Kenora Day. The board presented a formal proclamation listing Kenora’s roles at the library and thanking him for his service; Kenora declined to speak beyond expressing thanks.

During public comment, Patty Steinsteiner of the Sustainable Jobs Committee urged the village to pursue an electrification approach to fix the library heating and cooling system, recommending electric heat pumps rather than a fossil-fuel boiler and urging the board to pursue Climate Smart Communities and Clean Energy Communities grant opportunities. "This project would be a good case for a CSC grant through the state consolidated grant program," Steinsteiner said, and offered committee assistance in grant preparation.

Library Director Eric Carlson delivered a midyear report. Carlson highlighted successful summer reading programs (about 195 children, 36 adults, and a reported 12 teens), increased programming (documentary screenings with discussions), a large New Year’s Eve event (about 100 attendees), and a strong fundraiser for the Friends group (estimated 200–250 attendees). Carlson said he has applied for a 50/50 Department of Library Development grant to fund security cameras, carpeting, a compressor replacement and a new teen space, with award decisions expected next year. Carlson also said the library is beginning recruitment to replace the retiring assistant director and is exploring a 'library of things' pilot (tools, appliances, hotspots) contingent on community interest.

Trustees thanked library staff and volunteers and noted interest in pursuing grant funding and technical fixes that favor electrification where feasible.