I recently came across a small article in Newsday, entitled “Change Your Life – go to the Library.” It was a reflection on why libraries are such wonderful places, and how they can help launch you into a new career, a new place, a new perspective. Public libraries are the unsung heroes of our time. There is one in almost every community, always there to serve you, and asking little in return. The hours are long – the Plainview-Old Bethpage Library is open 76 hours a week, 52 weeks a year, and closes for just a few holidays – the building is simple, the staff is friendly, there’s always someplace to sit, and there is always something going on. Beyond books, the Library offers computers, homebound book delivery, lectures, concerts, exercise classes, DVDs, books on CD, fax and copy machines. We even have a coffee/hot chocolate machine and a small café for relaxation.
“Opening the door to the library is like pulling the ribbon off a gift,” wrote Susan Marie Davniero from Lindenhurst in her Newsday piece. We feel the same way.