In 1986, Susan Kenler heard that there was an opening on the Westbury Library Board of Trustees. Having worked for the library as the program coordinator from 1978 to 1983, Kenler felt that she would be an excellent choice to fill that open spot so she immediately went down to the library and applied.

"I went right to William Wallace, who was director of the board at the time, and told him that if he and the trustees thought that I would bring something useful to the board I would love to serve," Kenler said.

The rest, as they say, is history, as Kenler was appointed to the board right away. Now, 16 years later, she is making a move from Westbury to Huntington and has retired from her position on the board of trustees, effective June 27. The board has appointed John "Jack" Meegan to fill the seat vacated by Kenler. He will serve the remainder of Kenler's term, which expires in April 2003.

During her tenure with the library, Kenler said she is most proud of the expansion of the library, stating that when she first arrived, the library was "too small to fit the needs of the community." With her efforts and those of the others on the board, the size of the library not only doubled, but extensive renovations were made to the children's library.

Kenler also oversaw the preservation of the children's art collection that the Westbury Library has. The collection had long been suffering from neglect, but thanks to the trustees, the library hired a curator to properly restore the entire collection. Kenler said she is also proud of the raised staff hours and better benefits that have come about during her time on the board.

Before joining the board, Kenler was working toward a doctorate in art history from a CUNY school and teaching art history at both Queens College and Molloy College. Now, following her retirement, Kenler is again teaching art history, this time at St. Brigid's where she is also the librarian. She also plans to devote more of her time to a fine arts and antique business that she has.

Proof of Kenler's accomplishments as a board trustee are evident in the words of Cathleen Towey, library director. "Susan has been a long-standing, loyal and hard-working member of the board of trustees," said Towey. "She was one of the trustees who successfully saw the beautiful addition to the library that enables the library to give such wonderful service to the community today."

Of her accomplishments on the library board, Kenler said, "I am comfortable leaving now. I've done what I wanted to do." She added, "The two things in my life that I'm most proud of are my son and the library. It really leaves something for the community. I think we have the best staff and one of the most beautiful community libraries on Long Island."

Meegan, a 47-year resident of Westbury, is also a retired owner of the Hicksville-based John J. Meegan insurance company and former 20-year member of the Westbury Village Board. He is currently an active member of St. Brigid's Church, the Knights of Columbus and the American Legion as well as a 29-year member of the Westbury Senior Citizen's Board and a lifetime member of the Westbury Amateur Baseball Little League. In his retirement, Meegan enjoys playing golf, traveling with his wife and spending time with his four children and six grandchildren.

Meegan said he is eagerly awaiting his first meeting with the board, which is scheduled for July 15. "I want to get my feet wet a little to see what's involved in this whole thing," he said. "I am looking forward to working with the other members of the board to expand the services of the library wherever possible."

Of Meegan's appointment, Towey said, "Jack Meegan is a long-standing member of the community who is deeply concerned with the needs of the community that can be served through the library. He will bring his experience as a successful businessman to the board, as well as his overall concern for the future of the community."

She added, "We are saddened at the loss of Susan and regret that she is moving on. We wish her well in her new ventures. We feel that Mr. Meegan will bring his own special gifts and talents to contribute to the future success of the library."

Kenler said, "It was a privilege to serve at the library, to work with the people on the board and to serve the community with a group of people with no personal agendas."