Our Views: The library in the 21st Century

The Island Now

Marietta DiCamillo has been appointed the Great Neck Library board’s new president. We doubt that most residents of Great Neck care.

In the 21st century with the Internet and the iPad, some may ask, “Who needs books? And therefore, “Who needs a library? And who cares who runs the library association?”

The residents of Great Neck should care. At the very least they should not take for granted that they have free access to an outstanding library that offers an array of services that go far beyond lending books and charging fines for books that are overdue.

Periodically we have the privilege of publishing a list of upcoming events and services offered at the Main Branch and other branches of the Great Neck Library. This is not your grandfather’s library.

For adults, there is the Matinee at Main offering, a weekly opportunity to view classic movies. There are book signings, guest speakers, concerts and musical recitals. On March 11 the library will present “The Story of the Yiddish Theater” and on March 17 the library will host an Asian-American Author Roundtable.

 There are book readings for children, young adult programs, homework help, teen reviews of books and test prep for SATs and other standardized tests.

This is just a small part of what the library offers. Like most, if not all, libraries in Long Island, the Great Neck Library offers WIFI so people can bring their laptop computers and students can do their homework in a quiet surrounding. And there are tutors to help baby boomers catch up with high-tech world.

DiCamillo, the chief financial officer at the Major League Baseball Player’s Association, has served on the board for 13 years. She is well prepared for this important task.

One of her biggest challenges will be the completion of the renovation of the Main Branch which is in its preliminary stages.

We wish DiCamillo and all of those who work at the Great Neck Library continued success.

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