Nothing is more frustrating than trying to get personal help when calling a store or business on the telephone. More often than not, you’re greeted by an automated system offering a multitude of choices for everything but speaking with another human being. The website www.gethuman.com (also available through the Consumer and Shopping database listings on the library’s homepage) provides hundreds of 800 phone numbers plus the “secret” of getting beyond the automated system to a customer service representative. You can search by the name of a company, an industry (finance, government, insurance, stores, etc.), or by country (companies in the US, Canada and England are covered), or browse through the alphabetical listings.

This year the Library planted a “Victory Garden.” Begun as a tribute to one of our most beloved staff members, Bea Shacknow, the garden has flourished and become food for the homeless in Nassau County. Elaine Zimmer and Heather Greco, with help from Gary Peluso planted tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, beans and annual flowers in the area that borders the southeast part of the building. They were joined in July by teen volunteers who helped water and pick the vegetables. They thoroughly enjoyed their outdoor experience and plan to help again next year. The proceeds of their labors are enjoyed by residents of the INN in Hempstead, a facility that feeds hundreds of people each week. We are very proud of the work our staff has done to help others, and the example they have set for the next generation.