Thursday, October 1, 2026
Library patrons at the Hewlett-Woodmere Public Library and Peninsula Public Library in Lawrence are capitalizing on their library core service, reporting over $27 million in core service savings across District 20 last year.
The report, released by Nassau Libraries System, also includes fellow District 20 libraries in Island Park, Long Beach and Oceanside. Patrons saved $21.4 million by borrowing either a physical book or e-book. Libraries also helped patrons save $2.7 million in enrichment programs for adults or children five and younger.
“It is proof that these institutions don’t just educate,” District 20 Assemblyman Ari Brown wrote in a statement to the Herald. “They deliver real financial relief to families.”
Hewlett-Woodmere offers a variety of services and enrichment programs for children, teens, and adults, including concerts. They have 12 literary formats and a selection of 29 museum passes. Hewlett-Woodmere’s director Michelle Young said it’s about creating habits. “You need to start with your youngest readers,” she said. “When they come to the library, they become accustomed to coming. It’s like their home.”
Young said that libraries are also a place where families can go to enjoy themselves and be true to their passions. “It does not matter where you are coming from,” she said. “Everyone is equal. Everyone is learning.”
Two years ago, Hewlett-Woodmere added a program for young adults ages 18 through 30—an age group that, as Young said, wanted to remain involved. “There really wasn’t anything for that age group,” she said, noting that people over 18 were often grouped together in the adult program. “It’s a really nice way to get them to meet in person and socialize.”
Like its neighbor, Peninsula has also changed with the times while maintaining its reading selections. Libby, an app that provides digital book access, gives patrons the ability to download audiobooks, magazines, and e-books. For seniors, it has a courier service that delivers books to over 100 patrons who can’t make it to the library.
Peninsula’s weekly digital newsletter through the platform, Wowbrary, allows patrons to select reading categories or authors of interest. Patrons also have access to the platform Brainfuse, which provides an online learning environment for learners of all ages. Their approach, as its director, Carolynn Matuelewicz said, is about reaching people beyond the library doors. “Everything is online and digital,” she said. “That’s the way of the world now.”
Both libraries are recipients of Assemblyman Brown’s bullet aid, a type of funding given to libraries and schools. Brown thanked libraries for their service to the community, calling them a vital part of the community.
“I proudly divide every dollar of my bullet aid equally among them because the dedicated people who work in our libraries strengthen our community every single day,” he wrote.
Young said that libraries like Hewlett-Woodmere that have a variety of programs, want to accommodate as many people as possible. She encouraged residents and those outside the district to take advantage of their offerings.
For more information on programs and services at libraries, visit hwpl.org for Hewlett-Woodmere, and peninsulapublic.org for Peninsula.
“Take advantage of everything we offer,” Young said. “It’s free.”
