New Memorial Garden is Dedicated to former library trustee Lucile H. Holt

The new garden is located along the Route 59 side of the library.

A new Memorial Garden was dedicated to Lucile H. Holt on Saturday, October 18, 2008 at the Finkelstein Memorial Library. Lucile H. Holt served on the Board of Trustees of Finkelstein Memorial Library from 1994 to 2007. She was beloved by library staff and patrons alike. She passed away on Aug. 12, 2007 at the age of 84.

Mr. Richard F. Rothbard, President, Board of Trustees, and Mr. Robert Devino, Director, Finkelstein Memorial Library offered welcoming comments. The Invocation was made by the Reverend Raymond Caliman. Closing comments were offered by Jacqueline Anderson and Traci Anderson. New York State Assemblywoman Ellen Jaffee also addressed the audience. Robert Hubsher, Executive Director of the Ramapo Catskill Library System, Rockland County Legislator William Darden and Dr. Arlene W. Clinkscale, Chair of the Rockland Community College Board of Trustees, were in attendance.

Christopher P. St. Lawrence, Supervisor of the Town of Ramapo, provided a Town of Ramapo Proclamation "to the Finkelstein Memorial Library on the very special occasion of the dedication of the Lucile H. Holt Memorial." 

New York State Assemblywoman Ellen Jaffee addresses the audience. Library Director Bob Devino looks on.

Library Director Bob Devino (left) and Library Board President Richard F. Rothbard unveil a new plaque commemorating the "Living Memorial to Lucile H. Holt" at the dedication ceremony on October 18, 2008.

Ms. Holt had retired, after 37 years of teaching in 1989. The last 25 years were at Rockland County BOCES. In addition to serving as a library trustee for 13 years, she was past President of the Rockland Negro Scholarship Fund Executive Board and served in that capacity for 16 years. She was a Past Worthy Matron of Poinsettia Chapter #76 Order of the Eastern Star of Spring Valley. She was a member of the Hillcrest Civic Association, and Life member of the Spring Valley NAACP. She was an active member of Pilgrim Baptist Church since moving to Rockland County in 1956.

This beautiful garden is the library's way of saying thank you for the remarkable contribution that Ms. Lucile H. Holt made to our entire community.