Given in Recognition for Timeless Service to the Library and Community
Grace W. Pommersheim
2010 Award Winner
Grace was a valued member of The Friends of the Seaford Public Library since its founding in 1968, having served as both Treasurer and President. She was the President of The Friends for 37 years! Grace loved the Library and entirely understood the unique role it has in the Seaford community. She was also involved with the United Cerebral Palsy Association of Nassau County. Grace and her husband, Frank, lived in Seaford for close to 60 years before relocating to the Cape Ann peninsula in Massachusetts a few years ago. Both were active members in the renowned Seaford Lions Club and faithful parishioners of St. William the Abbot Catholic Church. Grace passed away November 2013 at the age of 93.
Jeanne Cox
2011 Award Winner
Jeanne was a valued member of the Library’s Board of Trustees for 30 years, 20 of those years as its Secretary. She was a champion of the Friends of the Seaford Library, advocate for needed building renovations, upgrades in information technology and the Summer Concert Series.
Jeanne was a retired and beloved elementary school teacher in the Island Trees School District, an avid reader and a New York Mets’ fan. Jeanne raised five children in Seaford and passed away April 2016 at the age of 96.
Robert J. Coughlin
2016 Award Winner
Robert “Bob” Coughlin first joined the Seaford Board of Trustees in 1986, becoming its President in 1999. He was the guiding force and expert consultant as the library went forward with its building enhancements and interior refurbishing throughout that time. Bob was a very warm and caring man who served the community with the utmost integrity and professionalism. Bob also served on the Nassau Library System Board of Trustees with distinction for many years. Bob passed away on August 6th, 2005 at the age of 69.
Stephen J. Gaughran
2018 Award Winner
Stephen “Steve” J. Gaughran served sixteen years (Nov. 1999-Dec. 2015) as a dedicated Trustee on the Seaford Library Board. His service as a United States Air Force and New York State Guard veteran, university professor, administrator, volunteer, trustee and all-around wonderful gentleman, caring neighbor, dear friend of many and especially loving patriarch of the Gaughran family are greatly appreciated.
Cindy Schaaf
2024 Award Winner
Cindy Schaaf was a longtime Head of Children’s Services Librarian for nearly 34 years (1981-2015), known by many as “Miss Cindy.” She is on the Board at Our Redeemer Nursery School, Seaford Historical Society, and a member of the 9/11 Memorial Committee. She is also involved with Soup to Nuts Soup Kitchen where she overseas donated clothing and household items. Among her accomplishments, she has been the recipient of the Honorary Patriot Award in 2015 and Woman of Distinction Award in 2022 by the New York State Assembly. Cindy enjoys spending time with her three kids, their spouses and her nine grandchildren.