New Library Director Takes on the Family Business

Some might say being a librarian is in Jessica Koenig's blood.

Her father recently retired from his job as director of the Freeport Memorial Library, and her mother is a reference librarian in Bellmore. What is her favorite past-time? Reading.

With a background like this as well as four and a half years as assistant director of the Long Beach Public Library, over 20 years of library experience and a masters degree in Library Science from St. John's University, it's no wonder the Island Trees Public Library chose her as the new director.

Former Director Frank McKenna, who still keeps his Island Trees High School yearbook in his office, said goodbye to the position at his hometown library in January.

"I grew up in Island Trees," McKenna said. "It's bitter-sweet to leave. I want to emphasize my gratitude for being able to work here for five years as director."

McKenna isn't going far though, as he is now director of the neighboring Seaford Public Library.

"I'll miss the patrons and the staff, but I'll still be around," he said.

McKenna is still spending plenty of time at the Island Trees Public Library these days, preparing Koenig until she officially takes her position March 14.

Keeping with tradition, Koenig also calls Levittown home. Though she grew up in Philadelphia, she has been a part of the community since 1980. She is a member of the Levittown Historical Society, and she attends Levittown Community Council meetings and countless other local events with her husband, Bob.

"When I heard the Island Trees position was available, I was very interested," Koenig said. "This library has such a small, hometown feel but it still does so much. The staff does a wonderful job here and I'm really looking forward to working with all of them."

Koenig will have big shoes to fill, but McKenna believes his successor is ready for the job.

"I know Jess, and she is very intelligent and dedicated," he said. "I know she will bring a lot of strength to the library and will be 100 percent successful. I am looking forward to working with her as a colleague and a friend for many years to come."

During his time as director, McKenna hired much of the library's current staff, created an oral history project that documents the stories of some of Levittown's original occupants, and started talent nights, special events and many other new programs.

Koenig said she feels lucky to come into a library that is already running so smoothly, and she hopes to continue McKenna's work by spreading the word about the library's vast selection of programs.

"Right now there are about 16,000 people in Island Trees and we have about 7,000 active card holders," Koenig said. "Maybe we'll be able to move that number up."

Leafing through the library's newsletter, Koenig pointed out museum passes (families can rent passes to Old Westbury Gardens, the Cradle of Aviation, the New York Botanical Gardens and the Long Island Children's Museum free of charge), an astronomy program, defensive driving and zumba classes, and online learning programs that can be accessed from any computer with a library card.

"Today libraries are offering so many extra things for people who are not traditionally library users," Koenig said. "I would urge everyone to sign up for a library card, and to take the time to look at the newsletter and see what the library has to offer."

Koenig added that residents can come out and vote at the library on April 26.

To learn more about the Island Trees Public Library and to access online programs, visit www.islandtreespubliclibrary.org.