Posted 5/3/2025
Happy May, everyone!
Later this month will be the annual Library Board election! This year, two seats are up for election for three year terms. The election will be May 20th, 2025, at the same time and in the same locations as the Annual Budget Vote of the Hadley-Luzerne Central School District- 12pm to 8pm at the LGI in the Stuart M. Townsend elementary school.
To assist people in making an educated vote, here are the three candidates this year. Below is a small blurb, provided by each candidate:
Margaret Hartley
I’ve lived in Hadley for about 35 years and have been a trustee and board secretary of the Rockwell Falls Public Library since December of 2023. In my day job, I am the director of communications at the University at Albany, and before that I spent 25 years as a newspaper reporter, editor and columnist. I’ve been an avid library user since childhood.
I initially applied for a board seat when the library was closed because I felt it was imperative to be a part of the solution: to get the library reopened as quickly as possible, and to re-establish it as a trusted and welcoming place for everyone in our community. Last year I was elected to a one-year term, and I am now running for a three-year term.
To me, a library is the heart of the community. I am dedicated to continuing the work we’ve done: getting our library finances in order, inviting community input to create a long-range strategic plan, adding staff and upgrading the facilities. I’m proud of our increased programming for children, teens and adults, and of our work to make the functioning of the library transparent and reflective of our community. I love walking into the library now and seeing the smiling faces of our amazing staff, teens chatting in our newly renovated young adult room, kids doing crafts in our children’s room, and a book club discussion starting in the great room. I’m happy to see our collection growing, and community groups scheduling programs and holding meetings in this communal space.
I’d appreciate your vote. I’d like to continue serving the library, and the community.
Beth Teitel
Hello, my name is Beth Teitel, and I’m running for a position as Library Trustee because I want to give back to a community that has given so much to me.
Lake Luzerne has been an important part of my life for decades, and my husband and I were excited to make it our full-time home last fall. We feel deeply connected and committed to this town.
Libraries have always held a special place in my heart. As the daughter of two public school teachers, I grew up with a strong appreciation for education, books, and the transformative power of reading. That love of learning stayed with me as I raised my own children, and I volunteered regularly in their school libraries, encouraging students’ natural curiosity and imagination.
I also bring extensive experience in both business and nonprofit work and am hopeful to contribute those skills toward fulfilling the mission of the library in a financially responsible and sustainable way.
The Rockwell Falls Public Library is more than a place to borrow books—it’s a cornerstone of our community, and as trustee, I will do my best to ensure the library continues to offer engaging
and meaningful programs for all ages.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sarah Kruger
My name is Sarah Thieverge Kruger and I am a candidate for the Rockwell Falls Public Library board. I was born and raised in Corinth. I relocated (or as I like to say transplanted) to Hadley in 2022 and currently reside there with my Husband and our dog Yogi. I have adult children and grandchildren who live in the Corinth and Hadley areas.
I am a graduate of Corinth High School and SUNY Canton, where I earned a Bachelor’s degree. I am currently enrolled in SUNY Plattsburgh taking graduate classes. I have been employed in the automotive industry for over 25 years. I started as a cashier and worked my way into the accounting office learning every job and skill I could along the way. I am currently employed in Queensbury, NY as a Corporate Controller by D’ELLA Auto Group.
I love to spend time with my friends and family. I also enjoy being outdoors. Nature is my happy place. I enjoy all the seasons, but Autumn is my favorite. The beauty of the changing leaves will always amaze me. I also adore all things Halloween and look forward to decorating and celebrating “spooky season” every October. I also take pleasure in painting and gardening although I will freely admit I am not very good at either, but I am not ready to give up trying yet.
I have had a huge love of books since my teens, and I am an avid reader. I discovered Stephen King in my teens, and he is still my favorite author. I am proud to say I have read all his books (many more than once). While horror is my preferred genre, I also enjoy thrillers, science fiction, true crime, biographies and even an occasional love story.
I am running for the Rockwell Falls Public library board because of my love of books and a desire to participate in my local community. I wanted to get involved with a library but never found many opportunities for volunteering in the past. I want to be a part of instilling the love of reading in future generations and offering the opportunity to read, study and learn for everyone.
I believe in the power of books. If you have a book, you always have an adventure.
We are excited to see who our community decides to take the two open seats this year. Be sure to get out and vote May 20th!
