Written by Isabella Aranda Garcia
What is the first thing you do when you open for the day?
The first thing we do each morning is prepare the library to welcome our families—we straighten the shelves, tidy the play areas, and ensure that coffee and hot chocolate are stocked in the drinks station. Those few quiet minutes feel a bit like setting the stage before a show, creating the warm, magical atmosphere our families love.
What’s one thing your customers don’t know you do behind the scenes?
Most people don’t realize how much time goes into creating our programs and services—keeping up on trends, testing new ideas, and making sure everything we offer is thoughtful, inclusive, and current. Behind the scenes, we’re constantly fine-tuning so the library feels innovative and welcoming for every person who walks through the door.
If there were an award for your daily routine, what would it be called?
The “Controlled Chaos Award.” It takes everyone juggling a hundred tiny details to make the day work. Every day is challenging. It’s hectic, it’s demanding, it’s exhausting…and we love it!
What’s something you’ve gotten better at every year?
Our staff and trustees have gotten stronger each year at understanding what our community needs and adjusting in meaningful ways. It’s a skill we’ve developed together through experience, listening, and a deep commitment to serving Pound Ridge well.
What’s one item you always have on hand?
We always have something up our sleeve—a calming sensory item for little ones and a book that miraculously stops tears, and for adults, an answer to just about any question: whether you’re looking for a book, a workshop, a passport or notary, a bit of tech help, or simply a quiet corner to read or work, we’ve got it, all in a cozy, welcoming space that makes you want to linger.
What’s something you do that seems small but makes a huge difference?
Close attention is paid to how people use our spaces—where they pause, what draws them in, what helps them feel at ease. Those observations inspire the carefully curated atmosphere that makes the library feel so easy, warm, and welcoming.
What was your “I made it” moment?
Our goal is for the community to see the library as their third place—that essential space beyond home and work/school where people can genuinely connect, feel seen, find what they need, and simply be themselves. We knew we had reached that goal when a parent of a child with autism thanked us for creating the sensory room; it was one of the only places, she said, where he felt truly comfortable and completely accepted. That was a moment that affirmed everything we strive for—a library that offers something for everybody.
Tell us about your favorite local spot.
We especially love the StoryWalk at Pound Ridge Town Park—a winding outdoor path where families can read a children’s book page by page as they stroll through the woods. It’s a wonderful way for families to enjoy the outdoors together—reading, walking, exploring, and connecting with nature and each other. We change the story each month so there’s always something new and delightful to discover, giving families a reason to return again and again.
Describe your business in three words.
Vibrant. Innovative. Community-driven.
If your business had a theme song, what would it be?
“Pure Imagination” from Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory. It captures the magic, curiosity, and sense of possibility we try to spark in every child.
What’s your business’s unofficial motto?
“Everyone belongs here.”
What’s your dream customer reaction?
We hear our dream customer reactions every day: a gasp of delight followed by, “This library is so beautiful!”… “We love this library!”… “We’ve heard such great things about this library, we had to come and see it for ourselves!”…“This is the best library!”… “This is my favorite library!” It doesn’t get any better than that!
What’s something your business does differently than anyone else?
We designed our children’s spaces with neurodivergent children in mind—not as an afterthought. Our sensory room draws visitors from all of Westchester and beyond.
What’s the smallest detail your customers notice—or that you hope they notice?
The warmth. The lighting, the colors, the textures—every detail is chosen to make kids feel safe, comfortable, and excited to explore.
What’s the one thing your business couldn’t function without?
The spirit of community. It’s the heartbeat of every program, every storytime, every decision we make, guiding us as we build spaces and services that truly reflect our commitment to the families we serve.
What’s one thing people often say when they first walk in?
“Wow—this is the nicest library I’ve ever seen!” The woodland wonderland theme in the children’s room is unique, offering a uniquely immersive, nature-inspired space that captivates children and families alike—every corner feels like a story waiting to unfold.
What is your most popular service?
The sensory room, hands down. It’s been life-changing for so many families and is constantly in use. The Everbrite light feature, custom sensory wall tiles, and wide array of sensory toys and tactile books create a space that invites exploration, creativity, and imaginative play.
What is something you wish more people knew about you and/or your business?
That a small library can be incredibly innovative. We’ve proven that creativity, inclusivity, and heart can have just as much impact as size or budget.
Address: 271 Westchester Ave, Pound Ridge, NY 10576
Phone number: (914) 764-5085
Website: poundridgelibrary.org
This article was published in the January/February 2026 edition of Connect to Northern Westchester.
To view all 2026 Connect to the Best winners, click here.
Isabella Aranda is a designer, writer and social media specialist with an M.A. in emerging media from the New Media Institute at the Grady College of Journalism & Mass Communication. Driven by curiosity and inspired by timeless modern design, she blends creativity and strategy to craft compelling narratives that engage diverse audiences.
Her expertise spans digital marketing, content creation and UX design, with notable achievements such as co-creating the Georgia On Your Mind podcast and leading digital campaigns that significantly boosted engagement. A Venezuelan immigrant, Isabella brings a multicultural perspective to her work, enhancing her ability to connect with and inspire others.
