Christine Utchel Takes the Helm as Interim Director of Bronxville Library
By Carol P. Bartold
Jul. 8, 2015: "I started working in a library when I was fourteen, so I kind of grew up in a library," said Christine Utchel, interim director of the Bronxville Public Library. "As a kid I was always checking out books."
Utchel took over as interim library director on May 18, following the resignation of former director Gabriella Radujko, who left the Bronxville Public Library on May 7.
Utchel began her library career at the Hastings-on-Hudson Public Library and worked her way up the ranks before joining the Bronxville Public Library almost twelve years ago, where she has served as the adult reference librarian.
With an undergraduate degree in English literature from Mercy College and a master of library science degree from Long Island University, Utchel has been able not only to develop relationships with patrons as adult reference librarian, but also to use her inclination toward organization to serve as interim library director. She describes organization as a "good fit" for a librarian.
"Up here on the second floor, though, you're a bit isolated," Utchel said. "I have less contact with the general public." Instead of recommending reading material to library patrons, she explained, she deals with vendors and contractors. She takes care of building problems and staffing issues. "The staff have made it a lot easier," she noted. "They have been very supportive and encouraging to me."
Utchel described her interim director position as the opportunity of a lifetime and one she treasures. "I'm enjoying myself," she said. "This is something different and a good way to see if directorship is something I want to pursue." She pointed out that full-time librarian positions are difficult to find.
In her spare time, Utchel designs and makes jewelry. "I have always been a jewelry freak," she said. "I could never find the specific colors of jewelry I wanted." She followed her mother's suggestion to make her own custom pieces. "It has been a dangerous hobby ever since," Utchel said with a laugh.
Utchel has brought her "dangerous hobby" to the Bronxville Public Library, where she has led popular and well-attended beading workshops before the Christmas holidays.
When asked what she feels makes the Bronxville Public Library special, Utchel said, "Anybody can walk through these doors and feel welcome. Anybody can have access to our materials. We treat everybody the same. When it comes to the library, the community is a community with no borders."
The board of trustees of the Bronxville Public Library will accept resumes from candidates interested in the library director position until July 26.
Pictured here: Interim library director Christine Utchel.
Photo by N. Bower
Government & History Directory
Bronxville is a quaint village (one square mile) located just 16 miles north of midtown Manhattan (roughly 30 minutes on the train) and has a population of approximately 6,500. It is known as a premier community with an excellent public school (K-12) and easy access to Manhattan. Bronxville offers many amenities including an attractive business district, a hospital (Lawrence Hospital), public paddle and tennis courts, fine dining at local restaurants, two private country clubs and a community library.
While the earliest settlers of Bronxville date back to the first half of the 18th century, the history of the modern suburb of Bronxville began in 1890 when William Van Duzer Lawrence purchased a farm and commissioned the architect, William A. Bates, to design a planned community of houses for well-known artists and professionals that became a thriving art colony. This community, now called Lawrence Park, is listed on the National register of Historic Places and many of the homes still have artists’ studios. A neighborhood association within Lawrence Park called “The Hilltop Association” keeps this heritage alive with art shows and other events for neighbors.
Bronxville offers many charming neighborhoods as well as a variety of living options for residents including single family homes, town houses, cooperatives and condominiums. One of the chief benefits of living in “the village” is that your children can attend the Bronxville School.
The Bronxville postal zone (10708, known as “Bronxville PO”) includes the village of Bronxville as well as the Chester Heights section of Eastchester, parts of Tuckahoe and the Lawrence Park West, Cedar Knolls, Armour Villa and Longvale sections of Yonkers. Many of these areas have their own distinct character. For instance, the Armour Villa section has many historic homes and even has its own newsletter called “The Villa Voice” which reports on neighborhood news.
Village of Bronxville Administrative Offices
337-6500
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Bronxville Police Department
337-0500
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Bronxville Parking Violations
337-2024
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Bronxville Fire Deparment
793-6400
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