New space for teens at Hewlett-Woodmere library

The ribbon was cut on Hewlett-Woodmere Public Library’s new first-floor teen space on Jan. 29, that was funded through $20,000 from State Sen. and Majority Leader Dean Skelos (R- Rockville Centre).
The idea for the teen space originated about 10 years ago with a teen advisory committee, according to the previous head of the library’s youth services program, Maryann Ferro.
“We had discussed what teens wanted at the library, and what would get them to come to the library,” said Ferro, now the director at the Malverne Public Library. “There were different aspects added throughout the years, on the list of items to be added to the space. One constant throughout the years in planning this was that all the students requested space where they could hang out and be comfortable reading and working.”
The current head of the youth services program, Alicia Rispoli, said that the teens had plenty of input in planning. “With our separate committee just for teens, we discussed what they wanted to include in their space,” she said. “They wanted an area for group study. They wanted a workspace area and a casual setting, like a teen lounge. This was very teen driven in implementation, in what they wanted for their space. We started with a blank space.”
Library Director William Ferro, Maryann’s husband, said all of the money was used to furnish and equip the area. “The money went toward the tables, the countertop, and installing the power for the recessed outlets,” he said. “The countertop and the furniture, specifically the lounge couches, have USB ports for charging cell phones and tablets built right into them. We were able to accommodate their wishes and stay within our budget successfully.”

Tracey Simon, the library’s assistant director, said that the most rewarding experience of putting the teen space together was that the day everything completely set up, the students showed there enthusiasm for the brand new area.
“We put the furniture in the space in the morning, and by 2:45 on the dot, we had students file right in and not a spot left over was to be had,” she said. “We have a work environment, and a lounge environment with couches, and they love both areas equally.”
William Ferro thanked everyone for coming and gave special thanks to the senator for the funding. “I’d really like to thank Senator Skelos for his support for libraries,” he said. “He’s been great in the past. I thank him for his continued support. We would not have been able to do this without him.”
Skelos was grateful for the invitation to the ceremony and greeted everyone in attendance. “Don’t forget, we’re looking forward to our next budget, so don’t be shy,” he said. “Think of a good project for the next budget.”