Susan Quinn was never really into books as a child, but once she started taking her children regularly to “Story Time” at the East Williston Library more than nine years ago, she had a whole new perspective on them.
That new perspective, in fact, has carried her all the way to becoming the new director of the East Williston library.
“I didn’t appreciate books until I was bringing my children here,” Quinn said. “I love books, and I have a new found passion for them.”
Quinn said she started out as a volunteer and was then asked to help out part time, which she agreed to. Her daughter, Kaitlin, has also been working at the library for the past five years.
Quinn, who is currently married with two children, has been living in East Williston for the last 20 years.
“I was asked to work part time one day a week, then it went to two and three,” Quinn said.
A little more than three years ago, Quinn was offered an assistant director’s position, when one of the original co-directors left. After completing her years as an assistant director, the opportunity to become the new director appeared when former director Diane Bondi left for a position in Merrick. Earlier last month Quinn was appointed to the position.
Quinn said each member of the library including herself are only part-time workers, but Quinn is no stranger to coordinating the workload.
Quinn’s duties now include making the budget, reporting to the board of trustees, coordinating summer reading programs, and overseeing all of the employees.
“I love coming to work,” Quinn said. “It’s convenient, close to home and there are such great people here and in the village.”
She added, “The reason I love my job so much is because of how wonderful the staff are. Everyone knows your name here and I’m very happy here.”
With technology such as Kindle, Nooks, and e-readers, Quinn does not believe that libraries are in any danger of closing down due to the accessibility of online books.
“I believe the library has caught up with the e-community,” she said. “There will always be people who still like the feel of a book and we’ll always have books.”
