Laura Rowley grew up in Kendall, New York, a small town between Rochester and Buffalo. Laura studied at Wells College in Aurora where she discovered book arts: making books by hand, letterpress printing, and making handmade paper. Laura attended The University of Alabama and earned her Masters in Fine Arts, continuing her studies of book arts. After graduation, Laura worked at the Trumansburg Library while living with Ruth Kahn, an inspiring children's author. Laura also established Illuminated Press, a micro press that crafts books by hand and offers community education. Next, she worked at the Dutton S Peterson Library in Odessa assisting in programming, grant writing, and general library support. These experiences showed Laura the importance of public libraries as spaces for community to gather, learn, and cultivate joy together, which she is delighted to continue in Lodi.

Beth (Buddle) Bevars grew up in neighboring Interlaken on Orchardland, her family's farm.  She spent a great deal of time in her childhood eating any fruit that was in season in the orchards!  She has fond memories of Luke and Lady, the Belgian draft horses who never quite learned to plow and of birthday parties in the backyard and on the National Forest.  Childhood violin lessons led to a Music degree and an interest in historical homesteading and farming led to a Masters Degree in Folk Studies.  Beth married a soldier, Mark, and spent many years traveling the country, and the world, as an Army wife.  Along the way she enjoyed many adventures including raising Emily and Maggie, her two daughters.  Beth returned to the area in 2018 and is thrilled to be the Director of the Lodi Library.  Her passion for supporting emergent and struggling readers, especially those with dyslexia, fits perfectly with the Library's mission.