Robert Kindler

Mr. Kindler has served on the library Board of Trustees for the past fourteen years.  In those years, he has been instrumental in realizing the Board’s goal of maintaining the library’s relevance in our community.  Through his generosity and support, Rob played a significant role in the success of the capital campaign in 2001 which allowed the library to build the beautiful new addition as well as aiding the library following the flooding of 2007.  He and his wife Pam are long-time Rye residents and have dedicated their time and energy to many community organizations.  In addition to his impressive community service, Rob is currently a Vice Chairman at Morgan Stanley.

Nicholas Raho

For Mr. Raho, vivid childhood memories of receiving his first library card translated into a lifelong love of reading and libraries.  Mary Julian, Mr. Raho’s daughter said, “Dad and mom were regulars at the Rye Free Reading Room on Tuesday nights.  All the librarians knew them. They would both gather their books and then sit in the leather chairs and read until closing. It’s funny, now that I think of it, they really didn’t buy books. They were great believers in the ‘borrowing’ idea.” Mr. Raho – who shared his love of reading with his children, reading them everything from Curious George to Arthurian legends – is a passionate reader to this day.  When he was not in the library, Mr. Raho ran White Cross Laboratories, a chemical and pharmaceutical exporting and importing company he started in 1941.  The Raho family has been an integral part of the community since moving to Rye in the mid-1970s.

Harriet Sessa

Mrs. Sessa has lived in Rye for the last 26 years and has taught in Rye City schools for the last 22 years.  Recently, Mrs. Sessa was named Rye City School District’s “Teacher of the Year” for her outstanding contributions to teaching.  Harriet currently teaches reading recovery at Osborn School.  The program focuses on intervention and support for first-graders who are struggling with learning to read.  As a champion of reading and literacy, Harriet’s work embodies what the Rye Free Reading Room cares about: reaching out to the community and providing an array of services and programs that illuminate the joy of reading and literature to all ages.  Her selfless dedication to her students has had a profound impact on many Rye families and their children.

With a goal of raising $220,000 this year, the annual campaign is crucial to keeping the library vital and responsive to community needs.  Only with a successful annual campaign can the library remain open seven days a week and continue to offer excellent services, grow our collections, expand our computer services and host free programs for everyone. 

Please donate today and show how much you Love the Library.