Otis Library News
By Stephanie Skinner
January/February 2026
As we marched toward 2026, your library crew was applying for additional grants to help offset the balance toward the 25% remaining of eligible costs for our new library, as well as covering ineligible costs. What was surprising and wonderful is that a group of volunteers jumped in to provide much needed support in searching for new grants, helping with writing the grants, and keeping it all organized. It is a massive amount of work, and it will continue straight into the spring.
I am humbled by the dedication and creative support of these remarkable volunteers, some of whom have been donating and cheering us along for many years. With so many things veering toward negativity in the world at large, I am taking this moment to show appreciation for those who selflessly offer their time, money, wisdom, and friendship to us.
This is only a tiny slice of those who have made the project for a new Otis library possible. If you don’t see your name here, it does not mean you are not deeply appreciated!
No one is as consistently dedicated to every project at the library as Rosy Crittendon. She runs the Friends of the Library, a group that conducts our raffles, the annual book sale, and large parts of the library fair. She does it all with endless good cheer, so much so that we call her Sunshine and Happiness behind her back, and in front of her.
Cathy Bezozo has emerged as a talented grant writer; a skill so vital for nonprofits like the library that we quite literally could not exist without it. Cathy has been a grant writer for most of her working life and we are so grateful she is pitching in for us.
Sharon Delevie has donated her boundless energy and creative marketing ideas. The "I love my library because …" campaign was her brainchild, and if you haven’t answered that call yet, please do so to thank Sharon, a 2nd generation Otis volunteer superstar.
Gail Gelburd, along with Celeste Watman, have voluntarily extended their grants research support to the library project. With demonstrated success for the Otis Historic Commission, we value their advice immensely.
EA Romann who never fails to enthusiastically throw herself and her considerable talents into library programming, ensuring full bellies at every Cookbook Club and InstaPot class!
Stacey Schultze holds a beacon leading to a future for Otis. From the Revitalization Committee that she leads, to her constant support for the library project, to her dedication to the town she was born in, she exudes positivity … an admirable quality we could all use more of!
Sue Brofman just keeps motoring on, keeping the Trustees and the Building Committee all in order, on point, and ready for whatever is coming. She is tireless and wise.
Diane Dyer who quite literally does more than nearly anyone else, all the time, with a smile and joke, and excellent rugelach and apple cake. They say that cooking is love; Diane proves it.
And last, but certainly not least, are the best library employees you could hope for: 18+ year veteran Lois Hall; weekend stalwart Kerry Bean; programming and marketing maven Molly Kelmelis; and brand-new perfect-fit Joanne Weir; and bookkeeper and occasional library temp Patty Strauch.
But here’s the thing … we would not be here but for our patrons who range from generational citizens to recent arrivals, full- and part-timers, occasional visitors and regulars. We thank you for your friendship and support, and look forward to serving you in 2026.
As someone who recently lost my exceedingly willful dog of 18 years, who none-the-less worshiped me, let’s all be as good as our dogs think we are!
