Bedford Hills Library Director to Retire After 36 Years

After 43 years of service to the Bedford Hills Free Library (BHFL) and 36 years as its director, Rhoda Gushue will retire at the end of this year.  “After so many years and so many wonderful memories,” said Ms. Gushue, “I’ve decided that it is simply just time to retire.”

During her tenure, Ms. Gushue has steered the library through the many changes in the book, media and information technology industries, delivering the best of these worlds to the public while maintaining a warm and caring atmosphere focused on quality service and attention to each patron.

“Rhoda’s many years of stewardship have firmly established the library as the heart of our hamlet,” said Elin Sullivan, co-president of the BHFL Board of Trustees. “She has enriched our community in countless ways.”  Previous board president Heide Shilstone agreed: “The library is a very special place to me, my family and friends, and the entire Bedford Hills community because of Rhoda. She is beloved and will be sorely missed.”

Along with serving the public as director of the library, Ms. Gushue has also been active as a board

member of the Bedford Hills Chamber of Commerce, Blue Mountain Housing Development Corp, a

Bedford Town Housing Agency, and the Bedford Hills Historical Museum.  “I will still be involved with my

volunteer work in the town and will continue to serve the library in an advisory capacity,” she said. Ms.

Gushue retires as the longest serving director in the Westchester Library System, an honor recognized  

four years ago during the organization’s annual spring Author and Book Luncheon.

Recognizing Ms. Gushue’s many contributions, Terrie Paladino Viola, co-president of the BHFL Board, said, “Rhoda has brought the love of reading to life for all of us, from our youngest citizens to our seniors, through impressive programs that both entertain and inspire. This quality is one we will strive to                                                   maintain as we initiate a search for Rhoda’s successor in the early fall.  Importantly, we will seek input and guidance from our staff, patrons and the community to assist us throughout the search process.”

Later this year, the community will gather together to honor Ms. Gushue with a celebration to recognize her contributions to the library and to Bedford Hills. Details will be forthcoming as planning progresses.