Longtime supporters of Teaneck Public Library celebrate reopening after renovations

Former Teaneck Mayor Paul Ostrow and his wife, retired reading teacher Ricki Ostrow, and former Teaneck Mayor Jacqueline Kates and her husband, attorney Michael Kates, joined a large crowd to celebrate the reopening of the Teaneck Public Library after a year of renovations.

Paul Ostrow is one of the longest-serving members of the library’s board; he’s been on it since he became mayor in 1996. Jackie Kates works closely with library director Shinae Hyun as project advisor to Age-Friendly Teaneck and president of the Teaneck Historical Society.

Mr. Ostrow is a former member of the Teaneck Jewish Center, and his wife’s family were members of Temple Emeth. Paul is a former president and life member of the Teaneck Volunteer Ambulance Corps and is among the B’nai B’rith Men of the Year.

Mr. Kates is active on the board of the Jewish Association for Developmental Disabilities and is a past president of Jewish Family and Children’s Services.

Before entering Teaneck politics, Ms. Kates chaired the Jewish Community Relations Council of the UJA/ Federation and served on the Jewish Council for Public Affairs. She and her husband are longtime members of Congregation Beth Sholom, where they were honored several years ago. They’ve also been honored by many groups including the ADL, JNF, Teaneck Jewish Center, Boys Town Jerusalem, State of Israel Bonds, and Friends of Lubavitch.

The two couples see the Teaneck Public Library as the heart of Teaneck. The library is one of the busiest in Bergen County’s BCCLS library system and is open seven days a week. It has extensive collections of books, media, and digital resources for the community, and provides a wide range of programs and services.

The renovations include advanced operational and security features, new carpeting and shelves, and a new modern bathroom.