Port Jervis Library Director Exits With Board-Approved Buyout, Interim Hire Named

The Port Jervis Free Library board of trustees convened a special meeting on March 4 and, in a session that lasted just eight minutes, unanimously voted to accept an Agreement, Waiver and Release from Library Director Curran Koehler, with his resignation taking effect March 6. The move marked another chapter in a prolonged personnel saga at the library: Koehler was the third director to leave within four years.

Board President Carl Hendrick framed the departure in conciliatory terms. "After helping the library achieve numerous strategic goals, Curran Koehler is leaving the Port Jervis Library as director," Hendrick said, according to minutes of the meeting. "Mr. Koehler is taking time to be with family while he seeks out a new opportunity with fresh challenges. After several notable initiatives, as directed by the Board and achieved by Mr. Koehler, we agreed it was time for a transition. We have appreciated Curran's commitment, energy, and service to our community. The innovations and services he took the lead on will be helping our community for many years to come."

That framing contrasted sharply with separate reporting that characterized the exit as a removal, citing Koehler's alleged failure to properly handle library matters over an extended period. Among the specific examples cited was the cancellation of programs, including senior yoga classes, without notifying the program leaders who ran them.

The financial terms of the separation drew criticism during public comment at the March 4 meeting. Residents raised concerns about the cost to taxpayers, identifying several components of the alleged buyout: severance pay extended through the end of the year at an increased rate, continued health insurance coverage for Koehler and his family, and a $15,000 lump sum for relocation. The meeting minutes noted that one person spoke during the public comment period but did not record the substance of those remarks.

The contrast with previous public engagement was notable. Last May, standing-room-only crowds had packed library meetings in support of Koehler when word first circulated that his position was at risk. Last July, the board had called off its search for a new director entirely, which appeared to stabilize his tenure before Wednesday's abrupt reversal.

At the same March 4 special meeting, the board voted to offer the interim director position to Edward Falcone of Cortlandt Manor, N.Y. Falcone assumed the role on or around March 9, according to a letter the library sent to him. His compensation is set at $500 per day, with an additional $85 per hour for any time worked beyond the standard daily amount.

The interim appointment is anticipated to run for up to six months. After three months, Port Jervis City Civil Service approval is required for Falcone to continue. If the board selects a permanent director while Falcone is serving, his temporary position will end at that point.

There is a discrepancy in the record regarding how long Koehler had served: one account places his start in September 2024, while another gives a specific date of September 21, 2025. The library has not publicly clarified which is accurate. What is not in dispute is that the search for his permanent successor is now underway again, with Falcone holding the position in the interim.