For the past 40 years, a select group of individuals with extreme dedication to the Levittown community have put in tireless hours transforming the Levittown Public Library into the educational summit it is today.

On the afternoon of Oct. 16 the Levittown Public Library Board of Trustees, Town of Hempstead, Nassau County and Senator Kemp Hannon honored Senior Account Clerk Joan Erickson, Board Stenographer Jeanette Klempner, Library Director P.W. Martin and former Library Trustee Dr. Vladimir Rus at the Levittown Public Library.

"To see so many people put in countless hours to better their community, and our library more specifically, blows me away," Town of Hempstead Supervisor Kate Murray said.

Each of the four individuals honored had dedicated their lives to various areas within the library and by the end of their career found the book-filled building to be the central point in their lives.

Klempner, who had recorded the Levittown Public Library Board of Trustee's minutes for 11 years as stenographer, was awarded a plaque by the board's president John Bosco for contributing to the library's ability to maintain high standards of service to the community.

"I don't know how she got down all that library boards say, but she did it," Bosco said. "There were even times when we would turn to her and say, 'did you get that Jackie?' and she would smile."

For 10 years of distinguished service as a library board trustee, Rus was awarded a plaque by board member Dennis Conway.

"For over 45 years Dr. Rus has been a Levittown resident keenly active in the community and has been an invaluable member of our team," Conway said.

Erickson, who served four years as senior account clerk was not present to be honored, but Board Member Margaret Santer offered heartfelt words of busy days. Sanger said Erickson was in Florida where she moved after retiring from the library.

"Behind all of these great people being recognized, there's a person like Mr. Martin and there's no way to measure his contributions to the Levittown Library," said past Levittown Public Library Board of Trustees President Bob Berman of the last individual to be honored, P.W. Martin. Berman presented a plaque to Martin for his 40 years of dedication to the library and renowned reputation and leadership skills. He started as assistant library director for 11 years and moved on to serve as library director for 29 years.

"I remember interviewing for the position and I thought, OK, I'll be here for a few years," Martin said. " Not knowing how long I'd actually be here."

Martin, who has seen vast technological changes within the library over his years, said he is looking forward to seeing what the board members and present director have planned for the future.

From the days when the Levittown Public Library existed in a store-front window of the South Village Green 55 years ago to its present standing on Bluegrass Lane, those who were honored will never forget the true importance of the library.

"While we answer the question, who is the builder we say William Levitt," Rus said. "But there are those who built the buildings and the most important are those who built this library, the heart of Levittown."