Rhoda Orenstein started her work at the Plainview-Old Bethpage Public Library 34 years ago as a senior clerk and worked her way up to director, a position she has held for the past 10 years. Orenstein notified the board in July that she would be retiring and her last day was Nov. 18.

Although Orenstein said it was a difficult decision to retire, the library has brought her great joy but she knew it was time to move to the next phase of her life. "It was a difficult decision because I enjoyed this job very much," said Orenstein. "It was a wonderful job. Things change in your life and you realize that it is time to move on."

According to Orenstein, working in the library inspired her to complete her undergraduate education and pursue her Master's Degree in Library Science. She also said that she was able to accomplish many of the goals she originally set out to do.

According to Orenstein, during the 34 years she spent at the library, the library transitioned into one of the best libraries in Nassau County.

"The library is highly respected in the library community and I would like to believe that my contributions over the years helped in some way. My work experience took me through the computerization of the library, a renovation of the library and finally the addition of an enlarged family center and a new wing with conference rooms and an auditorium," Orenstein said in the library newsletter.

"I would like to thank the library board of trustees for their confidence in me, allowing me to reach my goals for the library. In order to accomplish these goals, I needed people to support my ideas. One group of support people was the staff of the library," Orenstein said in the newsletter. "Without the staff, who are very knowledgeable, friendly, courteous and always willing to help, many of the ideas would not have succeeded. The second group is the Plainview Old Bethpage community. Without your support of the library budgets and the expansion referendum, we would not have what we have today. Thank you for making a major part of my working life both a pleasant experience and an opportunity for personal growth. My new title will be library patron."

With the building project's completion, Orenstein said she accomplished her main goals and it was time for someone else to take over with new and creative ideas.

After hearing of her retirement, the board selected Gretchen Browne, formally the director of the Rockville Center Library, as the new director. She began her job on Nov. 21.