Getting to know Malverne’s new library director

Don’t let Marianne Kobbe’s mild manner fool you.

This 26-year library sciences veteran, who was appointed as the Malverne Public Library’s director last month, may be a fan of PBS, and have a very sweet disposition, but she can probably take you down in five seconds or less.

“I have a black belt in Aikido,” said Kobbe during a conversation last week when asked about her youthful appearance. “It is how I keep fit. “I tried doing sports my husband was interested in — golfing, fishing — but I always went back to Aikido.” She has been doing Aikido for nearly 30 years.

Currently, Kobbe is in the beginning stages of achieving an expert-level designation in understanding the needs of the Malverne Library, and what it must do to continue growing its services and patronage. The library operates 60 hours per week, six days a week with only four full-time librarians —including Kobbe — and one working part-time. Its budget is less around $700,000 per year, which is used for everything — from salaries to paying the bills, and buying more programs and resources for its clientele.

Prior to coming to Malverne, Kobbe was head of reference for the Baldwin Public Library for 15 years. Fifteen months ago, she left Baldwin to take a position as a part-time reference library in Roslyn because she wanted time to reassess her career. Then the position in Malverne came up.

“The experience at Roslyn showed me I could enjoy a smaller library,” said Kobbe. Malverne is a very child-friendly community, and children’s programs are very important here,” she added. Kobbe said she would need about three months to observe what’s going on in the library before any major changes could be suggested. At the same time, she’s listening to her librarians’ suggestions on what the library needs.