When the Syosset Public Library was exploring the idea of a much-needed expansion, a group of local residents, realizing the need for the community to pass the bond and get the expansion started, worked together to help pass the bond referendum.

This group endeavor and realization that together, these residents could get things done to better the Syosset library and the community as a whole, led to the newly formed Friends of the Syosset Library group that was officially formed at the end of 2004.

Typically, the Friends of the Library is a group of people who support, extend and promote the service of the library. While fundraising is an important activity for the group, they also place an emphasis on their role as advocates for the library and its services to the local community. Syosset's Friends group will be no different.

According to Dorothy Blumstein, co-president of the Syosset Friends of the Library, the group plans to do things that the library can't do for itself, such as raise funds, but the main goal is to make the community aware of the various resources and functions that the library does provide. "We are a service group to the community and a liaison between the library and the public," said Blumstein.

In addition to Blumstein, the founding board for the Friends group includes co-president Maureen McDonald, vice president Judy Zatzkin, treasurer Sue Kuchenbrod, corresponding secretary Laura Schultz, recording secretary Joel Kanarvogel, board member Kerri Hoffman, board member Jean Israelson, board member Florence Kanarvogel, board member Irwin Brod and board member Mollie Brod.

"We are really excited," said Blumstein of herself and the board, which is comprised of all volunteers from the Syosset and Woodbury area. "The board is very enthusiastic and we are excited about the renovation that is taking place - we think it is going to be great for the community."

At this time, the group is still finalizing details, but is planning a membership drive for this summer for those Syosset and Woodbury residents interested in joining the group.

"It is very exciting for me to work with people who love the library and want to see the library grow and serve the community in better ways in the future," said Judy Lockman, director of the Syosset Public Library. "The board is comprised of very devoted residents of Syosset and Woodbury who are volunteering their time freely for the betterment of the community. They are committed to creating a community library for everyone. They are a hardworking group of people and everyone here at the library is happy to work with them."

The group, which meets once a month, is currently finalizing by-laws and setting goals relating to what they would like to accomplish as a group to better the library and the community over the next few months. Those interested in joining, look for further information over the next few months at the library and also in the Syosset-Jericho Tribune.