By Laura Lane
Library Board President Catherine Romanelli believes that Lichy, who is an attorney, will benefit the library and the community. His term will run two years. He replaces Cathy Grodoski, who resigned recently. "He's very bright and seems able to understand everything that is involved in the library," said Romanelli. "I think his legal background will be helpful. And he's a reader himself, which makes us feel good."
Growing up in Merrick, Lichy enjoyed reading and spent much of his childhood at the Merrick Library. When he attended New York Law School in Manhattan, he worked his way through school at the law library. "A good deal of my life is spent and has been spent in libraries," said Lichy. "I'm an attorney for a small corporation, and I'm knowledgeable about human resources. I will bring my business skills to my trusteeship at the library."
The Lichy family moved to North Merrick six years ago. The Lichy children - Benjamin, 7, and Hannah, 6 - have attended the North Merrick Library's many kids' programs since they were babies. "My children were socialized by the library, which I think eased them into going to school," Lichy said. "They didn't have any separation issues when they began school, partially because they saw the same kids in kindergarten that they'd seen at the library programs. I think they gained this independence by going to the library when they were young."
Lichy had been to one library board meeting before becoming a trustee. He said he voted for the library's $3 million dollar bond proposal last December and was surprised when it was defeated. "The issue piqued my interest to be a trustee," said Lichy. "I don't think there's a good understanding in the community about what's going on, and there's some distrust too. My understanding is we'd be so much better off to do the renovations needed as one project."
The new trustee was encouraged that some people came to the last board meeting and hopes even more people will attend future sessions. Attendees of the last meeting questioned why the bond was needed.
"I'm thankful people came out and spoke. This is what America is all about," said Lichy. "I hope people will come and give us suggestions and ideas for programs, too. This library serves other purposes than just books; it's a cultural institution."
Lichy hopes to expand the library's cultural offerings. But first he believes the library needs renovations, which include a new roof, boiler, windows and bathroom fixtures. The $3 million bond proposal will be reintroduced for a community vote on Tuesday, May 17.
"People have to understand that the building is in dire straits," said Lichy. "A good deal of the project will be cost effective. And some of the plans are also for expanding services to the community."
Comments? Llane@liherald.com or (516) 569-4000 ext. 236.
