By MIKE RUSSO
Kamen, who felt that the library had to meet the needs of a growing, diversified community, would not be deterred. On October 4, Kamen will be commended for all his hard work and determination when the library dedicates its community room, created during the expansion project, as the Kevin B. Kamen Community Room.
Kamen served on the Baldwin library board for 30 years, 22 of them as president, before stepping down this past summer. He oversaw the library's two construction projects, one being the acquisition of the former EAB bank building in 1986 and the other in 2001, when the library underwent a complete renovation. Kamen's ideas, while well-intended, did not sit well with certain members of the community, who were angered at his requests for public dollars to fund the project. Most residents voted in favor of Kamen's proposals, however, and today, the library offers programs and education in addition to its wide variety of publications - services that may not have been possible without the library's revitalization.
"I was not going to get off track," said Kamen. "My job was to lead the board and the community, and to see this expansion project through to its completion. We were within budget, the project was sound, and we delivered exactly what we promised. There wasn't a day when I felt that my colleagues and I weren't doing the right thing. We have always done right by Baldwin."
Before the library's renovations, the community room held only 80 people. Kamen said that it was unacceptable to have to turn people away. The room now holds close to 180, and is used for everything from town meetings to cultural programs to the activities of clubs and organizations.
"To have a community room with a stage, a movie projector, a kitchen...it's something that will always be enjoyed," said Kamen. "[The community room] is becoming what we as a board had envisioned. By having that space, it permits different associations and organizations the opportunity to meet there."
Kamen's colleagues said that he was completely dedicated to the success of the library through his three decades on the board.
Catherine Overton, the library's assistant director, said, "For the past 30 years, Kevin Kamen has brought an untiring, passionate commitment to the Baldwin community. It is appropriate that the Library, a result of his vision and years of service, dedicate its Community Room to him, in recognition of his significant contributions."
"For thirty years, Mr. Kamen dedicated himself to making the Baldwin Public Library the center and heart of the Baldwin community," said Library Director Maria Sysak. "It is only fitting that we
recognize his commitment in this way."
Kamen says that the library is the most important building in Baldwin because it serves the needs of residents of all ages, and he still considers himself the library's biggest cheerleader. He said he felt he left at the right time, leaving no project incomplete.
On June 30, Kamen's last day as a member of the board, he took a walk through the library, reflecting on the last 30 years. When he got outside, he said a prayer, wishing the library the best. While he said that he is enjoying his retirement, Kamen said that it's a different feeling now driving past the library. When asked what this dedication means to him, Kamen said that it was a tremendous honor and will be forever grateful to his colleagues, the administration and the community.
"I realize that I could never have done anything as positive as I did without the help and dedication of a dozen of my fellow trustees," said Kamen. "I learned so much in 30 years from all the trustees that I was fortunate enough to work with, and every time I think of the community room, I will always think of all my colleagues."
Comments about this story? MRusso@liherald.com or (516) 569-4000 ext. 283.
