In August, the Dundee Library welcomed a new director, Dusty Baker—a familiar face to many in Yates County and a lifelong advocate for community, creativity, and connection.
Dusty grew up in nearby Penn Yan, where his roots have always run deep. After earning his teaching degree, he spent 11 years in local district schools teaching 2nd, 3rd and 4th graders. Those years in the classroom were more than a career—they were a calling, as he nurtured curiosity, inspired creativity, and helped young minds find their confidence. When he eventually stepped away from teaching, it wasn’t out of a lack of passion, but rather a desire to take on new challenges and expand his skills in new directions.
Even as his path briefly led him toward the city lights, Dusty’s heart never wandered far from home. The pull of community and the stage soon called him back, and for the past 20 years he has been a driving force behind the Penn Yan Theatre Company—as an actor, director, and now the President of the Board of Directors. That mix of artistry, leadership, and love for local culture has shaped not only his journey but also the way he envisions his role at the library.
Dusty makes his home just outside of Dundee on three acres of peaceful countryside that fuel his creativity and provide plenty of space for his beloved lab mix, Bub, to run. Bub’s name carries a cherished family story. “When my grandfather moved in with my parents after a stroke, he would sit in a chair near the window,” Dusty recalls. “Everyone who passed by got a wave and a hearty, ‘Hey Bub.’ That memory has stuck with me, and when I got my dog, there was no other name that felt right.”
Now, as he settles into his new role at the Dundee Library, Dusty is looking ahead with energy and excitement. His vision is clear: to make the library a hub of activity, creativity, and belonging. From new community-focused programs to innovative partnerships, Dusty sees the library as a place where all ages can come together to learn, create, and connect. He’s quick to credit his talented staff for sharing that vision and bringing it to life. “I can’t say enough about this team,” Dusty says with pride. “They’re creative, dedicated, and always brimming with ideas for how we can better serve our community.”
With his deep roots in Yates County, his years of experience in both education and the arts, and his passion for community, Dusty Baker is more than ready to lead the Dundee Library into its next chapter. And if you happen to stop by, don’t be surprised if you catch him talking with neighbors, brainstorming with staff, or sharing a laugh about Bub—because for Dusty, the library isn’t just where he works, it’s where he belongs.
✨ Please check out this FLXGives Fundraiser that Dusty and the Dundee Library team are working on—and consider donating, because every dollar truly counts!
Step Up for the Stairs: Dundee Library Joins FLXGives!
📆 November 13–14 | 24 Hours Only!
🎯 Goal: $1,500
The Dundee Library is joining FLXGives for a 24-hour fundraising blitz to replace the worn carpet on the main stairwell and give the library a fresh, welcoming look.
Those stairs have carried generations of readers, learners, and dreamers. Now it’s time to refresh them for the future. With your help, they can make this high-traffic space safer, brighter, and more inviting for all who walk through our doors.
💻 Donating is simple—give online at FLXGives.org or stop by the library ahead of time. Whether it’s $5 or $50, your gift makes a difference!
👉 Donate. Share. Step up. Together, we can roll out something new for the Dundee
