Giving Rye is a feature series highlighting non-profits and community groups in and around the City of Rye. Today meet Chris Shoemaker of the Rye Free Reading Room.
Your Name: Chris Shoemaker
Name of your organization: Rye Free Reading Room
Your role: Director
MyRye.com: Tell us your organization’s mission
Shoemaker: The Rye Free Reading Room fosters a spirit of creativity and learning in everyone, and encourages individuals and the community to read, engage, and be curious.
How long have you operated in or around Rye?
Shoemaker: The library was established in 1884 to keep young men out of saloons, and has since grown into the library of today that is beloved by all Rye residents.
What programming or work is the organization best known for?
Shoemaker:
- Obviously, we’re best known for our books! Whether it’s a traditional hardcover, a read-a-long Wonderbook, or an digital download, libraries have books and information at the core of what we do
- Children’s programs – almost every kid in Rye has attended one of our story times, music programs, or summer activities – we see 20,000 kids in a year pass through our programs
- Novel Night – this fundraiser is the talk of Rye, with 500 people coming together to support the library while celebrating a love of literature.
Looking forward to 2026, what will be your top initiatives?
Shoemaker:
- We are hoping to double the size of our digital collection, to meet the growing demand for e-audiobooks and digital titles. The licenses for that material are much more expensive than print materials, and have a limited lifespan.
- We want to increase our program activities for families and adults – from family game nights to community reading events to adult craft activities, we are looking to make more opportunities for people to stop by and connect with other residents
- As we look to the future, we want to plan effectively for new technology and sustainability, from improving lighting and HVAC to resilient facilities in the face of flooding and other weather matters.
Tell us about the population you serve and how they can get involved with your programming and services.
Shoemaker: Any Rye resident can sign up for a library card and get started borrowing materials, downloading titles, streaming content, and more!
Are you a 501(c)(3) non-profit with tax exempt status?
Shoemaker: Yes
Looking back across 2025, what were your organization’s top achievements?
Shoemaker:
- We had a very busy summer reading program – there were over 300,000 minutes read across everyone who signed up
- The library hosted The Bias Inside Us – a traveling exhibit from the Smithsonian Institution, thanks to the hard work of two local teens, Hayden Souza and Lily Breitfelder.
How can local residents support your organization?
Shoemaker: Become a Friend of the Rye Free Reading Room by making a donation to the Annual Campaign. You can also use our services – borrow a card, access the New York Times Online from the comfort of your own home, download a book, or get a museum pass.
What local Rye residents and area businesses have been the longest, steadiest supporters of your organization?
Shoemaker: The Osborn is a longtime supporter of the library, and is home to our branch location! Carpet Trends has been providing carpet and tile to the library for at least the last 25 years.
Tell us about you:
How long have you been in your current role?
Shoemaker: 12 years.
Is the role full time or part time? Paid or volunteer?
Shoemaker: Full time paid roll.
How would your friends and family describe you in one word?
Shoemaker: Thoughtful.
Where did you grow up?
Shoemaker: Southern California.
Where do you live and how many years have you lived there?
Shoemaker: I live in the financial district – the reverse commute gives me time to read and catch up on texts.
Thanks Chris!
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