In October 2015, the Somers Library Foundation honored Jean for her role in spearheading the building of the Somers Library at Reis Park and her services as a library trustee for more than 50 years.

Remembering Jean 

Jean Reidy, 96, Somers, NY, died peacefully in her home on February 8, 2016. Jean was born and raised in Manhattan and is a graduate of Hunter College and earned her Masters Degree in English literature from Columbia University (class of 1940). She went on to teach for nearly 40 years in the Katonah and Somers school systems, including 22 years as the librarian at Somers Primrose Elementary. Jean dedicated her life to children and reading. At Primrose, and for decades after her retirement, Jean conducted “story hours” inspiring many generations of children to read and appreciate literature.

In October 2015, the Somers Library Foundation honored Jean for her role in spearheading the building of the Somers Library at Reis Park and her services as a library trustee for more than 50 years. The Children’s Room at the library is named in her honor. Jean was also an active member of other organizations, receiving numerous awards, including Westchester County Citizen of the Year and the Westchester Library System’s Service Award.

Jean Reidy shares her memories of the library.

Recorded at The Cube by the Somers Historical Society, 2013.