Hewlett-Woodmere library director is retiring

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“Every day brings something new — you meet people every day,” she said in explaining what has kept her working in libraries for so long. “There’s so much to get involved with: concerts, book lectures. So many opportunities to learn. There is not a day goes by that I don’t learn something new.”

The knowledge she has gathered and uses to the library’s benefit impresses Lenore Kramer, president of the Friends of the Hewlett-Woodmere Public Library, who, along with other members of the group, took a tour of the building several years ago. “She explained why this was done, she even took us to the roof,” Kramer said. “She knows every facet of the library. There is nothing that goes on that she isn’t aware of and handles with grace.”

Putting together a qualified staff and reaching out to the community are two things de Sciora did to help ensure her success. “Current library directors can’t do anything without a team of professionals,” she said. “A library director has to make sure everything can get done and face the challenges that lie ahead.”When the library began looking into doing renovations, de Sciora created a Building Advisory Committee to gather community input. She also has a Parents Advisory Committee to keep the children’s section up to date.

There will be two retired library directors in de Sciora’s Port Washington home after March 30, de Sciora and her husband, Ed, who headed the Port Washington Public Library from 1958 to 1994. Their 30-year-old son is married and lives in Oyster Bay. His twin sister, who lives in Westchester County, is planning her wedding.
And beginning in April, Kramer said, there will be a “big, big hole in the library.”

Library board officials said they are in the process of interviewing candidates, and anticipate having a new director in place by the time de Sciora leaves.

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