By: Jason Scheer
Since 2001, Overton has been in charge of the Online Services Department, a position in which she was responsible for the library's Web page, online databases and Internet instruction. She was also a familiar sight for patrons who visited the reference desk, where she spent much of her time.
Her other responsibilities included coordinator for the Automated Library Information System, a position in which she worked to make items in the catalogue available to the Nassau County Library System consortium, providing Baldwin residents with access to a wealth of materials from throughout the county. This, explained Overton, required time, dedication and foresight.
Now, as the library's new director, she is planning on bringing her expertise to new levels, while providing the same foresight that made the NCLS project a success and with the same passion that Hopkins did for so many years.
"Barbara loved this community and I do, too. The library and the community's well being will be at the forefront with me as it was with her."
One major difference she sees between herself and Hopkins is familiarity with Baldwin. Whereas Hopkins became the library's director almost immediately after coming to the community, Overton has forged relationships with people
in the neighborhood over her years in Baldwin.
"I know a lot of faces," Overton said. "That might be the main difference."
Overton's ascension to director happened, quite literally, behind the scenes. With the library currently in the midst of a much heralded, and occasionally maligned, expansion project, Overton has spent much of her first weeks as director in an unfinished wing of the library, away from library patrons. She says she misses the interaction and eagerly anticipates the library being fully functional again.
Describing the subtle differences between her and her predecessor, Overton said, "I think people might feel I'm more accessible because they know me from the reference desk." She also recognizes a downside to moving up. "People tell me they miss me, and I miss them too."
Overton wants to make the library a place for people to learn and not just a place for reading; she sees it as an epicenter of culture and community. She says Baldwin lacks a traditional community center and she hopes the library will be able to fill that void.
Looking forward to making use of its expanded resources once ongoing construction is completed, Overton says the library will be dedicated to new and diverse programming, including plays, concerts and performances for all age groups.
For younger patrons, the children's room has entered its final stages of construction. The carpeted area, adorned by a large mural depicting the Nunleyâs
Carousel, will include an amphitheater for plays and playtime.
Older children will have a designated homework and hangout area, so that they have a place to work and discuss projects without disrupting others. In the
past, Overton explained, students would do projects in open areas and would naturally become noisy. This will no longer be a problem.
Groups of all ages will make good use of the community room, which will include a retractable dividing wall and an intricate AV system for instructional and entertainment use.
Overton is confident that both she and the newly-reconstructed library will make good first impressions when work is completed.
"I can't wait for the repairs to be finished and for people to come in and see the new library," she said.
Comments about this story? JScheer@liherald.com or (516) 569-4000 ext. 282.
