Friends of the Bronxville Public Library Board

By Victoria Thiessen, Member of Friends of the Bronxville Public Library

May 7, 2025: April 25 was the perfect date to head for the starting gate for “A Night at the Races,” the Bronxville Public Library’s fundraiser, organized by the Friends of the Bronxville Public Library (Friends) board under the leadership of President Amy Brown. Leading up to the event, ticket purchasers were given the opportunity to name a horse, resulting in a colorful field of contenders. As Kirsten Johnson, proud owner of almost-winner Black Mesa Magic, put it, “The library is one of Bronxville’s true treasures, and the annual benefit is always a special night. This year’s ‘A Night at the Races’ theme brought such a fun energy to the event — it was a fantastic way to support a place that gives so much to our community.”

Guests were greeted with live music by Juliet Ewing-Kwan in the new outdoor Reading Garden addition unveiled last year by the Friends and Library Trustees, and once inside they were transported to the paddock. Owner of horses Momo and Kathmandu, Rekha Waggoner, captured the scene: “The space was completely transformed into a lively derby racing scene. The creative cocktails, delicious food and festive Bronxville crowd, many dressed in fabulous derby attire, made it a night to remember.”

In addition to enjoying drinks and hors d’oeuvres from Scarborough Fair, guests were invited to place their bets on the winning horses in six races, coordinated by John Mazzio of Long Island Race Nights.

The winner of the first race was Mayor Mary Marvin’s horse, Chief Chris, the namesake of Bronxville Chief of Police Christopher Satriale, and the Mayor, along with Village Trustees Mary Taylor Behrens and Helen Knapp, were there to celebrate the victory. Ibrox, Carolyn and John Duncan’s horse, won the second. The Duncans named the horse after the stadium where the Glasgow Rangers play, thinking it would be good luck, and it certainly was. In race three, the Lucky Irish O’Connells proved they were just that as their horse, No Bloviating, took and kept the lead. Booking Bronco won in a photo finish in the fourth race, much to the excitement of owners the O’Gradys. Race five produced a decisive win for Joanna Martin’s Fiction Filly, and Almost Tuckahoe, from the stables of the Friends, finished off the night with a win in race six.

When it came to betting savvy, no one could top John and Daria Kelty, whose wagers hit the board in three races. “What an incredible night!” said Daria. “It was truly inspiring to see such strong community support for the Bronxville Library, a place that holds such special memories for me and my family. And to top it off, I even had some beginner's luck at the races!"

At the end of the evening, guests donated back their winnings to Friends to enhance the programming of the library.

The Friends are extremely grateful to the event sponsors and their horses. Hat’s off to

-Prep Academy Tutors, represented by the ever-reliable Math Biscuit

-Houlihan Lawrence, with their sleek Valley Vibes

-Iona University, who entered the strong and steady Killian of Iona

-Beauty & Fly, showing off their stylish runner Smooth Operator

Funds raised from the event support a wide range of Bronxville Public Library programs, including author talks, musical performances, poetry readings, film series, and free museum passes for the community.

See Photos from the event below:

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