Patrons' Memories Needed to Celebrate Library's 50th Anniversary

The will blow out its 50th birthday candle this summer.

In light of the approaching anniversary, patrons are called upon to help celebrate by reminiscing and recording their favorite memories.

For resident Lindsay Church, a frequenting fan who speeds through at least two books a week, it’s getting her baby-sitting certification during a program the library offered in 1998.

“I miss the old library because I was so used to it, but this new one is more conducive to a community meeting place,” said Church, 23, who recalls the library’s renovations and expansions in 2007.

Brian Sheng, 16, remembers his summers chock-full of tutoring. At least five times a day, the Syosset resident used the library's convenient location and quiet atmosphere to teach chemistry, mathematics, and even the SATs.

Like Church and Sheng, other Syosset Library devotees can come in to record their memories in the Local History Room on Tuesday, April 12, from 1 to 5 p.m. and Thursday, May 5, from 5 to 9 p.m.

But library officials say recording times are not limited to just these two dates. Patrons can stop by at anytime, between 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. No reservations are required.

Officials will also be walking around the library to look for interested patrons. So far, a few-- although mostly children-- have participated in the recordings.

“I am proud to be a part of this milestone celebration,” said Karen Liebman, director of the Syosset Public Library. “I have lived in Syosset for nearly 30 years and I know that this community values their library. I hope that everyone will enjoy the activities we have planned for the 50th anniversary.”

The final video is set to run continuously in the theater on June 9. It will also be featured on the library’s website.

For those interested in coming in outside of normal library hours, please call 516-921-7161, at extension 240, and ask for Pam Martin, head of cultural programming.