The New York Public Library Announces New Deputy Directors for The Branch Libraries

March 28, 2005, New York, NY -- Susan Kent, The New York Public Library’s Chief Executive and Director of The Branch Libraries, recently announced the appointment of two new Deputy Directors for The Branch Libraries. Anne L. Coriston will serve as Deputy Director for Administrative Services and Mary Frances Cooper will serve as Deputy Director for Public Services.

The creation of these two positions reflect a change in the organizational structure of The Branch Libraries that will allow NYPL to allocate its resources in the most effective and efficient manner possible to serve its diverse clientele, both patrons and staff. The New York Public Library has a system of 85 branch libraries serving the Bronx, Manhattan, and Staten Island, which forms one of the largest and finest urban public library systems in the world.

“Anne Coriston and Mary Frances Cooper will bring a vast amount of knowledge, talent, and experience to NYPL to ensure that New Yorkers have access to the best branch library system possible,” said Susan Kent. “I am delighted to welcome Anne and Mary Frances into their new positions and look forward to their leadership in moving the branches in new directions including the continuing integration of technology into the more traditional library services, the ongoing renewal and renovation of branch facilities, and the nurturing of close cooperation with New York City schools.”

Anne L. Coriston, Deputy Director for Administrative Services
Anne L. Coriston was previously Vice President for Government and Community Affairs at NYPL. She joined the Library in 1997. In her former position, she had overall responsibility for developing the strategy and execution for all City, State and Federal advocacy for expense and capital funds. She successfully coordinated an effort to raise $45 million for the new Bronx Borough Center Library, and a total of $53 million for various neighborhood branch renovations. She cultivated and developed positive relationships with City, State, and Federal officials while raising their awareness of the importance of libraries. Ms. Coriston has organized and executed legislative activities including grassroots campaigns, community board relations and the Branch Libraries Advocacy Network.

Ms. Coriston received a B.A. from SUNY-Purchase and a M.A. in Library Information Science from Pratt Institute. In 2003, Library Journal named her one of their “Movers & Shakers — One of the People Who Are Shaping the Future of Libraries” in honor of her tremendous advocacy on behalf of libraries. Ms. Coriston, prior to joining the Library, served as Chief of Staff to New York City Council Member Kathryn Freed.

As Deputy Director for Administrative Services, Ms. Coriston is now responsible for directing and coordinating an array of administrative functions including information technology and technical services, capital facilities liaison, strategic planning, staff development and training, human relations and finances. Ms. Coriston will also serve as the liaison with the Library’s External Affairs Office. Her appointment is effective immediately.

Mary Frances Cooper, Deputy Director for Public Services
As Deputy Director for Public Services, Mary Frances Cooper will be responsible for directing and coordinating the day-to-day operations of all public services at NYPL’s 85 Branch Libraries. She will also be responsible for collection development, and development of programs and services. Ms. Cooper will assume her new position in early April.

Mary Frances Cooper has had extensive experience in management positions in urban public libraries. She served as Chief of Central Library Services at the Minneapolis Public Library (MN) from October 1991 through June 2000, and currently serves as Assistant Director of the Louisville Free Public Library (KY). She has also served as Coordinator of Technical Services, Reference Librarian, Branch Head, and Head, Reference and Reader Services in various libraries in Massachusetts and Rhode Island.

Ms. Cooper received a B.A. from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, where she majored in Communication Studies. She received a M.A. in Library Service from Columbia University School of Library Service, and she recently earned a M.Ed. in Community Counseling from the University of Louisville. She has been active in state and national library associations as well as serving on numerous boards and commissions in the cities in which she has lived.

The Branch Libraries
Each year, more than 14 million books, films, recorded materials, magazines, and pictures circulate among the Library's 2 million cardholders. The NYPL Branches sponsor some 27,000 public programs annually, including free technology training for the public, reading programs for children and young adults, English classes for speakers of other languages, literacy training, assistance for the jobless, a medical reference database, outreach to public schools and parents, and cultural programming.