Caroline MacArthur, Director

Spending my work life in libraries (since 1985!) has been nothing short of spectacular. Books, people, and community: to me there’s nothing better. When I’m not in the library I’m most likely spending time with family and friends, doing volunteer work, knitting or crocheting, reading, and napping. I dream about living in the mountains in a cabin on a lake with my husband, and cats! My favorite authors are Barbara Kingsolver, David McCullough, and Ann Patchett.

Melissa Andruski, Local History Services

History is alive in Southold! The Whitaker Historical Collection, housed in the library, is a good place to discover our rich past. I’m happy to assist with questions and research. I enjoy offering field trips April-November which include the Old Burying Ground, Willow Hill Cemetery, and heritage block walks east to Town Creek and west to Tucker’s Lane.
Historical novels are my favorite genre. Other favorite activities include playing tennis, working on a variety of word puzzles, taking long walks, and volunteering for community organizations.
The library has been a perfect fit for me since I was hired. I like the variety of lending a hand at the circulation desk, booking programs, shelving books, and acting as liaison to the Friends of the Library.

Dana Bruey, Children’s Services Librarian

I grew up on Eastern Long Island and have been a part of the Southold Free Library and community for more than 25 years. I take great joy in reading to the little ones, making them laugh and smile with special silly story character voices, and creating programs for all ages to enhance the children's library experience. When not at the library, I enjoy singing with my singer-songwriter husband, Bobby. And, of course, reading!

Penny Kelley, Teen Services Librarian

I enjoy working with the public in just about any capacity: Circulation, Programming, e-reader, device and other tech assistance, reader’s advisory, and much more. I feel lucky that I get to meet so many amazing authors and I love telling kids all about it! I especially love that I have created a safe space for all teens to feel welcome.

Some of my favorite authors: Tomi Adeyemi, Cinda Williams Chima, Tracy Deonn, Anne Lamott, Marie Lu, Ann Patchett, Jason Reynolds, Benjamin Alire Saenz, Angie Thomas, and Nicola Yoon. Other things about me: I like to kayak, read, hike, swim, gather with friends and family, and root for my favorite baseball team, the NY Mets. LGM!

Carol Forestieri, Technical Services and Circulation

I have worked at the Library for 26 years. When I'm not working I enjoy gardening, walking, hanging out with my grandson and sitting on the porch. I recently read "James" by Percival Everett. It's a new favorite about the reimaging of "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn" told from Jim's point of view.

Susan Caggiano, Technical Services Coordinator

Past recipient of the Excellence in Library Service Award!
I have worked at the Library for 30+ years. One of my favorite things about the Library was the renovation completed in 2020 giving the Library more open space and creating a bright and inviting space. Exposing the original wood floors from the early 1900’s is also a favorite.  I enjoy listening to audio books as well as reading. A few favorite authors are Harlan Coben, David Rosenfelt, Mary Kay Andrews. When I’m not at the Library, I enjoy spending time with my family & grandchildren, hiking, kayaking & boating. I also paint in my spare time! My husband and I enjoy traveling to Newport, The Berkshires, Maine and visiting friends in the Poconos.

Janet Auer, Circulation Desk

My favorite things about working at the library are the books, the patrons and the staff. My Favorite Author: Anything written by Lisa Gardner. When I'm not in the library I love being an EMT/Fire Fighter. I am an Ex-Captain of Southold Rescue. I also love the beach, boating, hiking, fishing with my husband and son, and reminiscing about my daughter around the fire pit. My favorite places are Long Island, Sanibel Island, Block Island and Upstate NY.

Denise Gagen, Circulation Desk

I have been with the library for twenty years now. I enjoy the people most: staff and patrons. Meeting new people, helping them at the circulation desk, at the printer, discussing new books are all part of my love of the library. I enjoy travelling here and abroad, painting with oils and watercolor and practicing yoga and pilates and entertaining my grandchildren. There is always a book or two (or three) on my nightstand; mysteries by Louise Penny and non-fiction by Erik Larson are some favorites.

Linda Knoernschild, Circulation Desk

Southold Library is a special place to work, with wonderful patrons of all ages. You can find me at the circulation desk, planning and offering youth programs, and organizing the seed library. I especially enjoy any opportunity to engage with children and teens!

My interests include spending time at the beach, aromatherapy, long walks, trips to Maine, and moments with family—especially my grandson.

Reading is a passion, and I love historical fiction. Some favorite authors include: Kristin Hannah, Ann Patchett, and Tracy Chevalier.

Skye Prichard, Circulation Desk and Reference

I started working circulation at the Southold Free Library for three hours a week back in 2021. At the time, I had no idea how much I would come to love working in a library. That three-hour a week job turned into ten hours, and then even more. Now I'm working towards a Master's in Library and Information Science at Queens College. I hope to continue working in libraries for the foreseeable future - whether that is at the circulation, in the office, or as a Librarian.

In my free time I love to travel; so far, I've been lucky enough to visit Germany, the Netherlands, Spain, France, China, Mexico, Costa Rica, and the Dominican Republic. Closer to home, you can find me walking my dog Sadie, playing action and role playing video games, or reading. It's almost impossible to pick a favorite book, but if I absolutely had to, I would choose Jorge Luis Borges' Collected Fictions. I am currently enjoying Jaqueline Winspear's Maisie Dobbs series at the recommendation of a coworker.

Kathy Saccamano, Circulation Desk and Programming

My favorite thing about working in the Southold Free Library is being in the heart of the community; maybe that is why I have been employed here for over twenty years. I love seeing our dedicated patrons as well as welcoming new members and visitors to our library. Working circulation and adult event programming are just two of my job responsibilities.

I love the on line book community of "Friends and Fiction" who have a show on Youtube and Facebook every Wednesday where I "meet" new authors and visit with older favorites. My favorite authors are Fiona Davis, Viola Shipman, Kristin Harmel and Mary Kay Andrews.

Lorraine Sferlazza, Circulation Desk

When I had my first summer job while still in high school, I worked at the Suffolk Cooperative Library System in Bellport. I never dreamed that my perfect retirement job so many years later would be here at the Southold Free Library! In the years between, I worked on the university, 2-year college, and high school levels, as well as for a Federal grant program. Some of my other employment was at a youth hostel, a glove factory, and as a proofreader.

What I particularly like about working here, in addition to the great staff and patrons, is the vast and constant exposure to books, music, and film. I also enjoy the ever-changing array of items included in the Library of Things.

My reading selections have become more diverse. I have developed an interest in WWII historical fiction and especially enjoy the mystery selections of Louise Penny, Donna Leon, and Jacqueline Winspear. My exposure to multiple cultures has also expanded through our book collection. Some favorites have included: Black Cake by Charmaine Wilkerson, The Henna Artist by Joshi Alka, and The Girl with the Louding Voice by Abi Daré.

Outside of work, I enjoy fishing, gardening, and cooking. I love summer and warm weather. In my next life, I will play piano and sing back-up vocals for an R&B band.

Darlene Siracusano, Circulation Desk

I am a retired Art Teacher for special needs students. When I am not working at the library I like to volunteer at the New York Marine Rescue Center, where I educate the public about cold stunned sea turtles and lead beach clean ups. I enjoy many craft projects and like to share my love of crafting with the patrons of Southold Library. I love the Libby App and I am always listening to or reading something. Some of my favorite authors are Mitch Albom, Catherine Ryan Hyde, and W Bruce Cameron.