Syosset Library Working as a Team to Benefit Community

By Denise D'Alessandro

Judy Schimmel became the director of the Syosset Library just six months ago and already the library has a new and refreshing aura, which Schimmel attributes to her new "team."

Schimmel works closely with two women whom she refers to as her team: the library's assistant director Ellen Firer and head of children's services Karen Liebman. "I am thrilled to have these two on board as a team with me. I have the best," said Schimmel.

Liebman has been with the Syosset Library for over 15 years. She is very devoted to the community as she is a resident of Syosset and her children are products of the Syosset School District.

As head of children's services, Liebman is in charge of arranging activities, classes and workshops for local children. "It is real important for you to have a vision and Karen does," said Judy Schimmel.

Liebman's main goal is trying to reach out to the families in the community. A new program, Baby Lap Time, makes the programs available for children from birth to preschool age. "The day they are born, kids can be registered for Baby Lap Time," said Liebman. There are also programs for kids in school, including story time and craft workshops. The community is very excited about these new programs based on recent registration numbers.

The children's computer room has four IMAC computers and four personal computers. Anyone under the age of 18 needs parental permission to use the computers and needs to have a library card.

Ellen Firer was named the assistant director of the Syosset Library in July. Her previous title was Head of Reference and Adult Services and she still oversees reference and now also works directly with Schimmel for the benefit of the library.

Firer has set two main goals since becoming assistant director - establishing and maintaining a reader's advisory and helping the public feel comfortable with computers.

The reader's advisory will be similar to what Firer explains as Oprah's Book Club. The library will post recommended readings by librarians, which establishes interaction between the librarians and the community.

In an effort to help the community feel comfortable with computers, hands-on classes have been established. Residents can learn the basics of e-mail and learn to use the mouse utilizing the completely up-to-date computers at the library.

Schimmel refers to the Syosset Library as the "after hours source for students" and has made efforts to establish a relationship with the local schools. "Working closely with the schools will best serve the community," said Firer.

Also, to assist residents further, the library set up a website that residents can use, preferably after library hours. "You only need the bar code on the back of your library card to access the on-line databases," said Schimmel. The web site offers full text magazines related to health business, education and entertainment, recommended websites, children's links and on-line catalogs.

Although Schimmel recognizes the website as an excellent source of information, she believes that physically going to the library has advantages over surfing the net. "At the library, the staff is here to help," said Schimmel. "We have personal service and trained professionals here."

The community is encouraged to visit the library during their hours, which are Monday - Thursday 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.

"We are excited working together," said Firer. "We work for the people and are always willing to hear their suggestions."