Cara Johnson – Executive Director

A Connecticut native, Cara Johnson brings a lifelong commitment to education, community, and lifelong learning to her role as Executive Director of the Cornwall Library. She holds a Ph.D. in Anthropology from the University of Connecticut, with a focus on archaeology, paleoanthropology, and geology. Her career has spanned classroom teaching and educational leadership, including roles as Director of Experiential Learning, Assistant Head of School, and Head of School. Cara believes in the power of libraries to bring people together, spark curiosity, and create a sense of belonging. An enthusiastic outdoor adventurer and longtime Wilderness First Responder, she enjoys kayaking, hiking, and backpacking. When not exploring the outdoors, she can often be found reading, cooking, or crocheting.

Margaret Haske – Director of Library Services

Margaret Haske grew up in Northern Virginia, just outside Washington, D.C., and moved to Cornwall 30 years ago with her late husband, Pat Hare, who grew up in town. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Sociology from James Madison University and a master’s degree in Gerontology from George Washington University. Margaret first became involved with the Cornwall Library as a volunteer 15 years ago and went on to serve as its Director for 13 years. She now continues her dedication to the Library and its patrons as the part-time Director of Library Services. An avid reader and Mah Jong player, Margaret has a particular fondness for British literature.

Eiseley Kotchoubey – Director of Youth Programs

Having grown up in Virginia, Hawaii, and Florida, Eiseley Kotchoubey brings a varied background and a creative perspective to her work at the Cornwall Library. She earned a bachelor’s degree in Art History from Southern Methodist University and worked in journalism and finance before moving to Cornwall with her family in 2020. Since joining the Library in October 2021, Eiseley has helped develop and expand its children’s programming, creating opportunities for young readers to explore, learn, and connect. She lives in Cornwall with her husband and three children.

Raymonde Burke – Library Assistant

Originally from Dublin, Ireland, Raymonde Burke has lived and worked around the world. She holds an M.A. in Languages from Trinity College Dublin and a degree in Education from Aberdeen University in Scotland. Her teaching career took her from CERN in Switzerland and the United Nations Environment Programme in Kenya to the United Nations in Manhattan and several New York-area universities. Raymonde began volunteering at the Cornwall Library in 2013 and joined the staff in 2014. She remains actively involved in the community through several local organizations. An enthusiastic reader, Raymonde also enjoys hiking, tennis, pickleball, and cycling.

Lynn Curtis – Library Assistant

Originally from Oregon, Lynn Curtis now makes her home in Falls Village with her husband, a teacher. She has been a familiar face at both the Cornwall Library and the Douglas Library in Canaan for the past nine years. Before working in libraries, Lynn’s career included positions with a fine arts printer in Boston, a picture-framing business, and several bookstores. Her varied experience reflects a longstanding connection to books, art, and the creative world.

Bronwyn O’Shaughnessy – Library Assistant

Bronwyn O’Shaughnessy has enjoyed a wonderfully varied career, with experiences in educational film and television, theater, costume design, hospitality, and education. Her love of theater led her to work at The Juilliard School and as a stage manager and costume designer. She later trained in oncology medical massage and worked in retail management. A longtime community volunteer, Bronwyn has served with local emergency medical services and the Cornwall Food Pantry. She also participated in writing classes at the Cornwall Library for 14 years. A lifelong reader with an adventurous curiosity, Bronwyn enjoys writing, sewing, exploring technology, and watching the stars.