When Rhoda Orenstein retired as the director of Plainview Old Bethpage Public library at the end of last year, Gretchen Browne, who was previously director at Rockville Centre's Public Library, was hired to replace her.

During her first six months, Browne has taken some time to get accustomed to the library and also can't wait to implement some new ideas that she has to greater improve the library and make it more of a community hub. "I love working with a new population and Plainview and Old Bethpage are great communities," she said.

One demographic that Browne would like to focus on are the teenagers in the community. "Teens use the family center now, but we are dedicating a separate space just for the teens that will include some loft space," said Browne.

There will also be summer programs directed more toward teens and high school students. Heather Greco will be the new teen librarian. The library is looking to start a teen advisory board in the future.

Browne has met with administrators from the Plainview Old Bethpage school district and wants to continue to improve the relationship between the library and the school and have more assignments and help for the students at the library. "I am very impressed with the schools," said Browne.

Browne is also looking to beautify and update the library. New furniture will soon be brought in and some of the shelving will be updated, according to Browne. "Books will be easier to find once the new shelves are in place," she said.

There will also be changes to the media center and downloadable audio books will be loaned to people. Also, the homepage will soon be updated.

Other renovations will include updating of the public restrooms, which will hopefully be completed by the end of the year. An art gallery will be located near the new entryway, to exhibit work done by local artists. There will also be a rotating exhibit and the displays will change to feature many pieces of art.

The programs that the library offers are community favorites and Browne said that they will be continuing.

"There is always something new happening at the library and we are always open to suggestions," said Browne.

"The Plainview-Old Bethpage community can take great pride in the quality of its public library, and I am privileged to have been given the opportunity to serve as director," Browne said in the newsletter. "With your support, I look forward to maintaining the library's high standards and meeting your needs in an ever-changing world of information delivery."