By: Eugene Gilligan
When Hopkins retires at the end of this year, she will have guided the library through a second major construction project, which dwarfs the first one. More importantly, she knows what to do with computers. Their impact on the way we gather information is in a large way responsible for the second expansion.
Information, which was once conveyed almost exclusively by books, is now available on e-books, audio books, video, and on DVD. And, of course, the Internet revolution has fundamentally changed how people conduct research and obtain information.
To accommodate the demands of the information explosion, the library undertook a major expansion project, called Project 2000, named after the year it was launched.
The result of this work will be early next year, when the new wing opens. The new facility will add an additional 18,000 square feet to the library-s nearly 23,000 square feet. In addition, an extra 5,000 square feet will be available to accommodate future expansion.
The new wing will feature an enlarged children-s area, complete with a homework room. A new computer lab will enable the library to offer computer instruction. A room devoted to the history of Baldwin will also be added.
Additions such as a computer lab are crucial if the library to serve Baldwin now and in the future, Hopkins said.
The world has been revolutionized by these changes in technology, she said. The new computer lab will enable residents to sharpen their Internet research skills, and know which sites are best for their needs, she said.
The new wing has already received one rave review. The Westchester/Mid Hudson Chapter of the American Institute of Architects awarded the project-s architect, Raymond Beeler, with a Citation Award for Recognition of Architectural Excellence.
An active, up-to-date library is particularly important to Baldwin, Hopkins said. Baldwin-s neighboring towns, Freeport and Rockville Centre, each have recreation centers that offer a full slate of cultural events. In Baldwin, the library must fill that role. A new, 180-seat community room in the new wing will host concerts, lectures, films.
The library also must play a prominent role as an educational resource, particularly as the town-s demographic changes. The library works closely with the school district on its English as a second language programs, she said. It-s essential that new, non-English speaking residents know what services the library provides, she said.
Hopkins credits her staff with being a great help to her. I told them at my retirement party, You make me look so good, she said.
Hopkins also praised the town-s residents for passing every budget during her 18-year tenure.
She-s been a pleasure to work with, said Kevin B. Kamen, president of the Baldwin Public Library board, and a member of the board that hired her in 1986. She combines both library and business skills.
When choosing a new director in 1986, the library board wanted a director who would make community involvement a priority. Hopkins has exceeded all expectations in that role, Kamen said. She has worked closely with such groups as the Chamber of Commerce, Woman-s Advance Club, and Baldwin Historical Society. In addition, she respected the role of the library trustee, as well as the residents who pay the taxes that keep the library running, he said.
Residents were involved in every step of the expansion process, as questionnaires soliciting opinions on the plans were mailed to every resident. An Expansion Advisory Board, made of up community leaders, was formed to provide input. Throughout her career, she was always attuned to Baldwinites needs, Kamen said.
Her follow up was terrific, Kamen said. Anyone who wrote a letter to the library board would be answered personally by Barbara.
Hopkins- knowledge of the library-s needs was crucial when the expansion plans were being formulated, he said.
She helped to design it, he said. It-s more than just adding walls and bookshelves. The homework center was her idea, Kamen said.
It may not be surprising that Hopkins plans to devote significant time in retirement to books. In addition to traveling and volunteering, she hopes to spend some time leading discussions about some of her favorite reads. And, she looks forward to having more time to read for pleasure. A devoted fan of mystery novels, she looks forward to being able to devote more time to her passion, as her busy schedule now only allows for fitful reading.
I don-t want to know Ôwho done it,- but also be able to remember who-s in the novel, she said.
Perhaps Kamen offered the best measurement of her contribution to the library, and to Baldwin. The community doesn-t know all a library director does, said Kamen. We-re going to miss her terribly. She can never be replaced.
