'Warm And Welcoming' LI Librarian Honored For 40 Years Of Dedication

WESTHAMPTON BEACH, NY — A beloved Westhampton Beach librarian is bidding adieu after 40 years of dedicated service to the community.

The Westhampton Free Library recently recognized librarian Sonja Roese during a retirement celebration held in her honor. As part of the recognition, Roese was presented with a proclamation from New York State Assemblyman Fred Thiele.

"Throughout her time with us, Sonja has been a warm and welcoming presence in the Idea Place," said Library Director Danielle Waskiewicz. "We wish her the best in her retirement and look forward to seeing her when she comes back for what she promises will be frequent visits."

Roese has spent the last 18 years of her career working in the Westhampton Free Library. She began as a part-time children’s librarian in the library’s original building and was soon promoted to head of the Youth Services Department.

"It has been a pleasure serving the Westhampton community," Roese said. "I enjoyed working in the original building, then in the temporary space, and finally in our current, beautiful facility."

Among her many contributions, Roese built up child-centered staff, developmentally appropriate programs and a diverse collection of books to encourage reading for pleasure, library staff said. She also instituted Family Place programming, including the "One Thousand Books Before Kindergarten" reading program that emphasizes the importance of reading to young children.

"I enjoyed my 40-year library career," she said. "My greatest joy, besides being with children, was to mentor future librarians into the best career choice."

Roese started her career as a librarian trainee in the children’s department of the Sachem Public Library. After obtaining her MLS as a school library media specialist from LIU Post, she landed a position in the South Country Central School District, where she worked at numerous schools throughout the district. At the same time, she worked as a reference librarian at the South Country public library. She was also a school librarian in the East Quogue Union Free School District.