The Friends Board of Directors meet at 6:30 p.m. in the Community Room on the third Monday of February, April, June, August, October and December. The annual meeting, at which officers and directors are elected for one-year terms, precedes the regular December meeting. All meetings are open to the public. Only members of the Friends vote at the annual meeting, hold office, serve on the board, or serve on committees.
2025 Board of Directors
(Click on a name to read a brief bio.)
Mary Service, President
I moved to Delmar in 2021 after a career as a writer and editor, and was as thrilled to obtain a library card as I had been to get my first card many years ago in New York City. As a member of the Friends since my move to Delmar, I’ve enjoyed assisting its programs and look forward to continuing to support the library and its readers.
Polly Hartman, Director
Upon moving to Delmar in 1978, I immediately got a BPL library card. Much later, as a retired BPL librarian, I wanted to give back to an institution that I love … so I am a Friend forever! I have a bachelor’s degree from Carroll College, and masters’ degrees from Columbia University and SUNY Albany.
Richard Naylor, Treasurer
I have been with the Friends’ board since 2016 as treasurer. My background is libraries: seven years as a director in Kentucky, and seven as director and 26 as assistant director in Colonie. I have an MLS from Indiana University and an MBA from UAlbany.
Mary Kinnaird, Secretary
Soon after I moved to Delmar five years ago, I joined the Friends and now serve as board secretary. It has been a fulfilling opportunity to continue my commitment to libraries that began over 30 years ago. My goal is to help make the Bethlehem library such an integral part of peoples’ lives that they wouldn’t want to be without it.
Patricia Caporta, Director
I’ve lived in the community for 43 years, and for 43 years I’ve been a fan of the Bethlehem Public Library! I’ve been a Friend for 30 years and a board member for five years.
Jess Kansas, Director
Claire Crawford, Vice President
I was born and raised in Brooklyn, with a 26-year stint in New Jersey. I moved to Slingerlands in 2012 when I retired to be near what I have always wanted: mountains, trees, outdoor activities and community. My professional career positions included responsibility for new business development, strategic corporate and HR/benefits communications planning and implementation, development of quality assurance procedures and management of people and projects. Now, I am interested in giving back to my community. I have volunteered at Five Rivers and have had a Capital Roots garden at Elm Avenue Park for the last four years. I am excited to use my writing, copy editing, and proofreading talents, as well as my more recent book sale experiences, to further the work of the Friends of the Library.
I’ve been a member of Friends of BPL since 2021. I enjoy meeting with the group to support the library and serve on the membership committee. I have recently earned a master’s degree in library science from St John’s University. I hope to continue serving the local community as I raise my family here in Delmar. I love to see people engaged, involved and enjoying new experiences. I love that the FBPL supports the library in this mission.
Bruce Phillips, Director
I was born in Troy, raised in Schenectady and went to college in Rochester. I went to work with the State Department of Health in the early ’70s. My family moved to Delmar in the early ’80s and we have enjoyed regular use of the library’s facilities and services over those years. I subsequently became a member of the Friends. It is my intention to continue helping make the library a community asset.
Danielle Driscoll, Director
As a lifelong lover of books, libraries have always been dear to my heart, and encouraging greater access to literacy has always been a core value and belief. Upon returning to Bethlehem in 2021, I knew becoming involved with the Friends of Bethlehem Public Library provided an avenue to give back to the community in a way that aligned with my passion for reading. Joining the Friends and discovering the various volunteer opportunities has brought me closer to my community and provided a deep sense of fulfillment. An editor and writer by trade, I’m pleased to be able to support our great library and community as a member of the Board of Directors.
Barbara Kling, Director
I moved to Delmar in 1990 and joined the Bethlehem Public Library Friends’ Board in 2015 after retiring from a career in education. The goal in the next few years became for the group to become an organization with a growing community membership, an increasing community involvement, and being able to maintain a strong financial base for supporting the library. The BPL Friends continue to work toward these goals in order to partner with our exceptional Bethlehem Public Library.
Regina Bryde, Director
friendsofbethpl.org 