We are always ordering new books. We love books and are always looking for ways to share new titles with our patrons. Besides featuring lists of hot new titles in the Library, which are very hard to keep current, we suggest you check out the information found on our website. Under the category, “Everything for Book Lovers” you can connect to a page that lists our “Newest Arrivals.” After you have selected a genre, you will be connected directly to the online catalog. The catalog displays the title and from this point you can browse the new selections and reserve the titles that interest you. You can also send in a book review or register to subscribe to a monthly newsletter on “Book News.” Add another dimension to your reading life on the Plainview-Old Bethpage Public Library website!

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.

Last week’s annual Friends of the Library Book Sale was a resounding success. The Friends worked hard all week preceding the sale to sort and organize the over 9,000 items that were donated for sale. They arranged and classified hundreds of titles. They solicited local businesses for raffles. They were up early and stayed late. And the results of their labors were record breaking profits! Many thanks and much appreciation goes to this dedicated and devoted group of men and women whose mission is to support the Library by presenting programs and purchasing materials outside the scope of the tax-approved budget.

Some of their recent contributions include the grand piano in the auditorium, the oversized computer screen that displays program announcements, a caterpillar display unit in the Family Center and the donation of seed money for the Bea Shacknow garden. The Library Board and staff thank the organization for being real “Friends of the Library,” and urge others to join them. The Friends meet monthly on the first Wednesday, and invite to become a part of their vibrant group. Make a difference in the community – join the Friends!

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.

Have you noticed the interesting 3-D display near the Circulation Desk? It features Frommer Travel Books and accompanying art work about the world of travel. It was created by the library's very talented artist, Laura Centofranchi. Laura has been with us just over a year and has contributed greatly to the new spirit in the Library. She painted the cafe area free-hand, creates all the flyers, posters and brochures, and advises us on color and taste. We really value her artistic "eye" and rely on her instincts.

The travel display is great fun and part of a nationwide contest. If we win, the Library will receive a free lecture from Arthur and his daughter Pauline Frommer or we might win a whole collection of his travel books. Whatever the outcome, we can all enjoy the beautiful display. Take time to look at Ms. Centofranchi's delightful work while planning your next trip.

The Friends of the Library invite you to celebrate National Library Week with them. They have planned an interesting evening on Monday evening, April 14 at 7:30 with local author, Alyson Richman. Ms. Richman has penned three highly acclaimed novels – The Last Van Gogh, which is her most recent work of historical fiction, The Swedish Tango and The Mask Carver’s Son. Richman will discuss her craft and read from her books. There will also be time for questions and answers from the audience. After Ms. Richman’s program, please join us for refreshments and a book sale and signing.
You may also wish to read The Last Van Gogh prior to attending the lecture, so be sure to reserve it as a single copy or read it with your book group and reserve it as one of our “Book Club in a Bag” titles. We are looking forward to seeing you at this exciting event.

“Once considered quiet havens for study and research, modern public libraries are creating a new niche for themselves in community life. From bridging the digital divide to offering solutions to societal challenges, the public library has evolved into the essential “go to” facility for young and old alike – both physically and in cyberspace.” ICMA Management Perspective, October 2007

Libraries are dynamic resources that play multiple roles in their communities. No longer is the local public library just a place to study and borrow books, it is evolving along with the needs of its community. One of the core responsibilities of the staff of the Plainview-Old Bethpage Public Library is to connect people within the community with each other, and with cultural, social and educational events. We look forward to partnering with other local organizations to make this happen.

Just watch us grow!

As you may know, County Executive Tom Suozzi is currently studying the feasibility of consolidating public libraries in Nassau County in an attempt to save tax dollars. However, many think consolidation is a mistake, and feel Mr. Suozzi’s plan will not work, and ultimately will not save money. Assemblyman Harvey Weinstein (D-Long Beach) wrote recently in Newsday, “Of course we would all like to see our property taxes reduced, but library budgets account for such a small fraction of local property tax burdens – from 1% to about 4 % - that any savings realized from consolidation would be a drop in the bucket.” He goes on to praise the public library as a center “of local activities, a place for personal growth and social experiences, a place to take pride in, a place to feel connected, a place to feel at home.” The Plainview-Old Bethpage Public Library is open seven days a week to serve its residents. It is available online 24/7, and provides materials and services for people of all ages, from arts and crafts and literacy guidance for the young, to concerts and reference materials for senior citizens. It is a service unmatched in the community, and a library the community can be proud to support.

Hi! Welcome to the Director’s blog. As part of our newly designed website, I hope to use this space regularly to fill you in on all the new events and services we offer at the Library, and I also invite you to reply with your comments and suggestions.

One of our newest services can be found in the Media Department. “Playaways” are full length unabridged books in an audio format - the simplest way to listen to a book on the go! “Playaways” can be checked out for 28 days, and work with most headphones, speakers and car adapters. Easier to use than CDs or cassettes, “Playaways” afford hours of listening pleasure. Drop by the Media Department and browse our collection, then let us know what you think.