Jaclyn Savolainen
Library Director
director@starrlibrary.org
Brooke Stevens
Director of Collections and Operations
bstevens@starrlibrary.org
Brooke Stevens joined the staff of Starr Library in 1998 as the part-time children’s programmer. Highlights of those early years involved the talents of many artists, entertainers, and educators who engaged Rhinebeck audiences with exotic animals, storytelling, puppetry, magic, music, and even a mime! Over time, Brooke took on the role of both Children’s Librarian and Assistant Director. She is happiest surrounded by books and steeped in the world of children’s literature. Outside of the library, you are most likely to find Brooke in the kitchen, listening to a favorite podcast or Spotify playlist while trying out a new recipe, or reading from a stack of new and vintage cookbooks, of which she owns way too many!
Michelle Montalbano
Director of Programming and Outreach
michelle@starrlibrary.org
Michelle oversees all the programs and events on Starr Library’s calendar, including running Starr Library’s book club and creative writing workshops, and occasionally, pinch-hitting for children’s story times. She also plays an active role in all aspects of library operations. Michelle came to Starr in 2022 after five years at Brooklyn Public Library, where she worked in a neighborhood branch and at the Center for Brooklyn History. Her focus has been on programming, exhibitions, and community building throughout. When she’s not at her desk, you can find her on her bicycle, making things (especially dinner), keeping up her NY Times crossword streak, and (to no one’s surprise) reading and writing.
Karen Waltuch
Youth/Children’s Program Assistant
Rowan Willigan
Graphic/Creative Designer & Webmaster
rwilligan@starrlibrary.org
Rowan first started working at Starr shelving books when she was 15, and now, 10+ years later, is in charge of creating modern and engaging marketing materials for the library’s programs and announcements. Rowan adores the environment at Starr, and loves that she can interact with Rhinebeck’s kind community. Additionally, Rowan is a visual artist, muralist, and a photographer. You can learn more about Rowan here. Born in the Hudson Valley, she loves exploring eateries and breweries during her free time, as well as taking walks at Poet’s Walk. Rowan’s favorite genre of books to check out from the library is cookbooks!
Katy Kollar
Circulation Desk Staff
Christine Livesey
Circulation Desk Staff
Christine Livesey and her husband Alex moved to Rhinebeck 20 years ago, where she’s since raised two amazing children. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts and Filmmaking from Carnegie Mellon University, a Master’s in Education, and taught art and film for 12 years on Long Island. When she’s not working at Starr Library, she’s teaching Film and Acting at Dutchess Community College, working on printmaking, watching old movies, and traveling with her husband.
Laila Watts
Circulation Desk Staff
Laila is a recent addition to the Starr Library circulation staff and is excited to meet the locals of Rhinebeck. She has worked in the Poughkeepsie Public Library District at Adriance Memorial Library and Boardman Road Library for a little over three years. Laila is a Poughkeepsie native and resident and is currently studying Psychology at Southern New Hampshire University. Outside of work and college; Laila enjoys ballet, playing with her kitty Giselle(Gigi), singing, and of course reading books.
Paris Newmaster
Circulation Desk Staff
Paris recently earned her Master’s degree in English literature from SUNY New Paltz and finds herself feeling right at home in Starr Library. Being an avid reader, she has a love for all books, but is particularly drawn to literature in translation. Much of Paris’ independent research involves investigating the nature of being in nonhumans and objects, most recently in Paru Itagaki’s series Beastars. When not at Starr Library, you can either find Paris enjoying all that nature has to offer, or spending time with her two cats Man Man and Taki. She is also currently learning German and has plans to travel extensively overseas in the near future.
William Swift
Circulation Desk Staff
Cynthia Chiarella
Book Keeper
Cynthia came to Starr after having retired from working in government for the last 28 years. She raised two grown sons in Red Hook and is thrilled to be a grandmother.
She loves living in Rhinebeck, where she has been for the last 12 years. In her free time she loves to cook, bake, be outside, and spend time in the company of animals.