Youth Services Librarian Receives NYS Senate Commendation Award

(Patchogue, NY) – NYS Senator Dean Murray presented Caroline Mandaro with a NYS Senate Commendation Award to honor her heroism on behalf of the Middle Country community. The presentation was held on Friday, February 21, 2025, at the Middle Country Public Library (MCPL) in Centereach. Mandaro was joined by her parents, fiancé, Chris, and the MCPL administration and staff, including Director Sophia Serlis-McPhillips. 

          On Friday, August 2, 2024, Mandaro exemplified valor and bravery when she administered Narcan to a woman who had overdosed on a bench outside the Centereach library. Her expeditious action spurred from previous training is believed to have saved the woman’s life.

          Mandaro joined MCPL as a fulltime Youth Services Librarian in 2022, and her primary focus has been on early childhood and family support work, through the Family Place Libraries Initiative. She values connecting with families and creating a welcoming space to build the foundations for early learning. Although receiving the Commendation Award is a memorable occasion, Caroline Mandaro will have a truly unforgettable day when she celebrates her wedding this April. 

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