Neena McBaer, Pawling Library’s New Children’s Programming Coordinator
By Susan Stone
Ms. McBaer originally hails from Colorado, but now lives in Poughkeepsie where she attended and graduated from Vassar College with a Bachelor of Arts in Educational Policy/Studies and a minor in Sociology. It was at Vassar that Neena developed her love for early childhood education, and most importantly, her passion for programs that promote early literacy. She worked at the Wimpfheimer School in Poughkeepsie, with children ages 2-11, and also at Vassar College as a research assistant. While in Colorado, she was employed at Lindamood-Bell Learning Processes in Denver, as a reading intervention specialist.
“On behalf of the Pawling Library Board of Trustees, I would like to welcome Ms. Neena McBaer to the position of Children’s Programming Coordinator at the Pawling Library,” says Stephanie McLaughlin, President of the Library’s Board of Trustees. “Children’s programming is of the utmost importance to our library and Ms. McBaer’s passion for childhood literacy makes her a good fit for this position. We are looking forward to getting to know her and discovering all that she will bring to our library and the families of Pawling.”
“We are really excited to have her join our staff,” added Brian Avery, Library Director. “We think the families of Pawling are going to love working with her because she has such a deep commitment to learning and an inviting natural warmth.”
Libraries have always been a special place for Ms. McBaer, as she shared, “When I was a child, I would frequent our local library and voraciously read anything I could get my hands on. The same was true as I moved through school. I have always felt safe in libraries and I appreciate the impact that they have on children’s learning and reading. I’m an educator by nature, and helping kids from a safe, beneficial setting, seemed like a wonderful fit for me.”
“Miss Neena” is looking forward to bringing her knowledge and expertise to the children of Pawling, and said with enthusiasm, “I predict I will greatly enjoy meeting the families that enroll in the children’s summer programming.”
