Meet the New Syosset Public Library Director

Karen Liebman has loved libraries ever since she was a little girl.

The public library has forever been a sense of comfort for her. Years later, the sense of comfort has grown into a place of joy and accomplishment. She is the new director of the Syosset Public Library, having taken over Aug. 1 for the retiring Judith Lockman.

"I grew up in Fresh Meadows, Queens reading books," Liebman says. "I have always known since I was a little girl that I would one day work in a library. The library is where I feel a sense of peace. I loved reading books then and I still love to read now."

Thrilled about her new position, Liebman hopes to continue to provide a welcoming and friendly library for the Syosset and Woodbury communities and implement a few improvements throughout the next few years.

"I have to be proactive with technology moving forward," Liebman explains. "Instead of children reading books on the shelves, technology allows them to now read books on iPads. The times are changing and I have to stay on top of the trends going on in the world."

The study rooms are popular at the library, and Liebman has plans to include more in the future.

"I have to rethink sitting and shelf spaces down the line," Liebman says. "These ideas are not going to happen in the next few months; these are ideas that will happen within the next 10 years. As we all know, progress can take time."

Liebman began her library career as a part-time children's librarian and then went full-time. She headed the children's department and rose to assistant director.

"This is my first and only library. I have been extremely happy working here," she says.  

A graduate of the State University of New York at New Paltz,  Liebman is an avid reader. Her favorite author and book is Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim by David Sedaris.

"I like it because it reflects on family life," she says. In addition to reading, she loves to draw with charcoal.

Liebman has lived in Syosset for the past 29 years. She and husband Marc have two children and a 7-month-old granddaughter.

For Liebman, there is no better place to work than the Syosset Public Library.

"It's a very friendly place," she says. "You can sit and read a magazine, do research or spend time with a librarian. We have phenomenal culture programs. Also, my coworkers are a fabulous group of talented people. I am always happy to drive here and come inside to work with wonderful people and see all of the great people in the community."