By Rachel Kalina
The library has hired Maria Sysak, who took the helm as director on Aug. 16.
The Baldwin library has been lacking a director for nearly two years because the board wanted to pick someone with the right qualifications for the position, said library board President Kevin Kamen.
About 25 people gathered in the Baldwin Library Atrium to welcome Sysak to her new position.
"We waited until we were able to do the right thing," Kamen said of the long search for a new director. "A building alone is not sufficient. A budget by itself is not good enough, particularly when you are talking about a public institution like the library. When you have a new building, what's lacking is a new director."
The last time the Baldwin Library had their director position filled was in December of 2004, when the director at the time, Barbara Hopkins, left after 18 years of service. Kamen acknowledged that Catherine Overton, the Librarian-in-Charge, had a large part in filling the gap left in the director position. Her steady guidance of the library allowed the board to take the time they needed in choosing a new director and holding interviews.
"She has served with integrity," Kamen said, "This is the person who delivered this building to the good people of Baldwin."
Overton was presented with flowers for her efforts and success in getting two budgets passed. Another bouquet was presented to Sysak when Kamen named her as director.
"We were very deliberate and we were fortunate to come across an experienced library director in another Nassau Library," he said.
Sysak worked with the Floral Park Library Board during her many years there to make the library a success. She initiated new programs and policies and obtained grant money for them.
"It's very difficult to leave a library where the staff is your family," Sysak said of transition from Floral Park, "but change is good."
A graduate of Molloy College, Sysak also attended Long Island University's Palmer School of Library and Information Science and received a Masters in Library Science. Her resume also includes experience in positions at Oyster Bay Public Library, Bryant Public Library and Elmont Public Library. She is a member of the American, New York, and Nassau County Library Associations. Sysak is also on the Member Library Directors Services Priorities Committee.
"I'm excited, thrilled and nervous," Sysak said of her new role. "I want to be not only a figurehead, but a person you can reach out to. We're always available to move with you here in Baldwin."
Sysak added the offer of the director position was an honor for her.
Kamen acknowledged the high profile nature of Sysak's new title, and in a press release from the library, stated; "Now we have the director who will lead us into the future."
