The newest library director for Hewlett-Woodmere Public Library

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by Anna Munhin May 21, 2023 News
The newest library director for Hewlett-Woodmere Public Library

Sunday, May 21st, was 12:14 am.

The Hewlett-Woodmere Public Library’s new director, Michelle Young, took over on May 1. In black and white to her left is the library’s first director, Elizabeth Thomson.

Young took over the library on May 1. The library's first director is Elizabeth Thomson.

Hernesto Galdamez is a Herald reporter.

The Hewlett-Woodmere Public Library will have a new director in the first chapter. Young joined the community after working in public libraries for over two decades.

She was the director of the island trees library for six years. She is the new director of Hewlett-Woodmere.

Young, a resident of Rockville Centre who is married and has a daughter, said she had always had an appreciation for the Hewlett-Woodmere facility.

She said she liked the library. Their programming in general is amazing. The community is active and I would love to do that here.

She was a member of the Levittown Chamber of Commerce and a member of the library board.

The importance of community outreach was emphasized by Young. She said the first few days were good. A lot of people kept introducing themselves. We had a staff meeting on my first day.

Young had a unique challenge at Island Trees. The biggest challenge libraries have is getting people to return. People used to get their services in different ways. People use the library but don't go to the building We want people to return to the library.

Before and after the Pandemic, Young created surveys and discovered what Levittown patrons didn't know. She said that people liked interacting. There was something that brought people together. I think people missed out on programs where they didn't just sit and listen but actively participate, like book discussions and crafting.

She wants to use surveys again.

Outreach is her favorite thing. Meeting people and going to places is what I do for a living. My job is not just to get people in, but also to leave.

Young received a degree in English and a master's degree in library science from Queens College.

Young stood out in a lot of ways, according to the library board president. She has a good amount of experience as a library director, which included experience in managing construction projects, budgeting and long-range planning, which is very important to us.

She sees collaborating with others as a strength. She is going to meet with the community and other leaders and groups to figure out how we can offer resources and services to the community.

When Young was a child, her grandfather took her to the library to look at bugs. She knew that the library was for everyone.

She said that she always saw the library as a place where she could ask questions. It is the freedom to think that gives you perspectives on things you don't know.