Judy Schimmel started her position as director of the Syosset Public Library over two months ago and already she has found her new home.

After serving six years as the director of the Seaford Public Library, Schimmel started at Syosset, replacing past director Alice Nayer who retired earlier this year.

Schimmel works directly with the Library Board of Trustees, Reid Goldsmith, president; Lorraine Trachtman, vice-president; Elaine Gainor, Dr. Brian Goldstein and Shirley Lang, five elected officials from the community. "They represent the different interests of the community," said Schimmel. "I work with them to determine policies or directions for strategic plans and I implement those policies in the library."

Schimmel has been looking at the media room and has some ideas to improve it to meet with the needs of the community. Redoing the shelving and the collection are two of those ideas.

Schimmel is very happy with her position at the Syosset library, which is located at 225 South Oyster Bay Road. "It is a very exciting and educational oriented community and people want the best variety and quality materials available," she said. "The community is very supportive of the library and I love it here."

A main goal for Schimmel is to meet as many of the local residents as possible. She wants to make herself known and listen to the concerns that the residents have. "I want to find out what the residents would like from our library," said Schimmel. Although her hours are Monday - Friday, 9-5, Schimmel said she can often be seen at the library on weekends and during her off-hours.

The best way for the residents to voice their opinions is to attend various board meetings that the library holds. According to Schimmel, a main concern of residents now is expansion of the library and it is something that library officials are currently exploring. Schimmel has already met with architects and plans to discuss the possibilities with the community. "Our first step is to gather information, explained Schimmel. "We need to find out what is possible on the property and take it to the residents and see what they want."

The goal now is to build more square footage to enhance library programs and expand the collection. "We are very crowded in some areas of the library and we would like to create comfortable reading areas," said Schimmel. "It is a possibility that we are getting a sloped auditorium so the community can view the programs in a comfortable setting."

Schimmel would like the library to not only serve as a cultural center, but also a meeting place. "We have over 250 magazine and newspaper subscriptions that arrive here regularly," said Schimmel. "It is not just about taking out materials, but having a comfortable place to go."

The library is open Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. - 9 p.m., Friday 10 a.m. - 9 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. and Sunday noon - 5 p.m.