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Mostly Cloudy Times says librarian's work top shelf
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LaSpina has worked at the library since 1986, starting out in a part-time position. Now she and another full-time librarian, Lydia Bevilacqua, run the children's section. LaSpina has helped start many beloved programs including the mother/daughter and parent/son book discussions, parent/child workshops and story time programs from ages 4 months to 5 years.
LaSpina wants the library to be a place to build community. [It's] truly a place to come for information and socialization, she said. She added that she is so happy when she overhears mothers making plans to meet outside of the library after meeting at a story time or workshop.
She has enhanced everyone's lives [from] 4 months old to parents, said library director Gretchen Browne of the prize-winning librarian.
The award is truly special because it comes from the community and colleagues, said LaSpina. It was former library director Rhoda Friedland who heard of the award and wrote the formal nomination. Then colleagues, friends and library patrons wrote more letters of support. LaSpina beat out 50 other nominees, winning $2,500 in prize money, which she intends to give to the library.
That tells a lot about who she is, said Browne.
Browne tells another quintessential Anita LaSpina story. When young Rockville Centre resident Marisa DeGray was sick and homebound, LaSpina would visit to give Marisa her own private story time, reading Marisa's favorite books.
The family was so gratified by what Anita did, said Browne. Today there is a memorial garden outside the library for Marisa.
One of the achievements LaSpina is most proud of are the parent/child book discussions. She feels that it helps keep families close through literature. It also gives parents and children an opportunity to discuss issues comfortably through the characters in the book.
Another source of pride are the many programs for small children. In Rhyme Time, four-to-12 month olds sing nursery rhymes and interact in a way that helps them develop. The parent/child workshop is a five-week program for one-to-three-year olds, their parents and siblings. The children get to do crafts and parents get expert advice from speech therapists, nutritionists and librarians.
For 18 years, LaSpina lived in Rockville Centre and now that her children Teresa, 27, and Joey, 24, are grown, she and husband of 31 years, John, live in Long Beach.
Growing up, her favorite book was Heidi, but now she ways she couldn't possibly pick just one favorite.
She credits the library directors with always letting her try new things. This year the library will participate in the Duck Race on Oct. 19, and the Harry Potter Fan Club has been expanded into October and November. Every year there's something new, said Browne.
On Nov. 1, there will be a special dinner at Chez Peter in Atlantic Beach to honor LaSpina. Tickets are $40 and all are welcome, for more information call the library at (516) 766-6257 Ext. 9.
LaSpina wants the library to be a place to build community. [It's] truly a place to come for information and socialization, she said. She added that she is so happy when she overhears mothers making plans to meet outside of the library after meeting at a story time or workshop.
She has enhanced everyone's lives [from] 4 months old to parents, said library director Gretchen Browne of the prize-winning librarian.
The award is truly special because it comes from the community and colleagues, said LaSpina. It was former library director Rhoda Friedland who heard of the award and wrote the formal nomination. Then colleagues, friends and library patrons wrote more letters of support. LaSpina beat out 50 other nominees, winning $2,500 in prize money, which she intends to give to the library.
That tells a lot about who she is, said Browne.
Browne tells another quintessential Anita LaSpina story. When young Rockville Centre resident Marisa DeGray was sick and homebound, LaSpina would visit to give Marisa her own private story time, reading Marisa's favorite books.
The family was so gratified by what Anita did, said Browne. Today there is a memorial garden outside the library for Marisa.
One of the achievements LaSpina is most proud of are the parent/child book discussions. She feels that it helps keep families close through literature. It also gives parents and children an opportunity to discuss issues comfortably through the characters in the book.
Another source of pride are the many programs for small children. In Rhyme Time, four-to-12 month olds sing nursery rhymes and interact in a way that helps them develop. The parent/child workshop is a five-week program for one-to-three-year olds, their parents and siblings. The children get to do crafts and parents get expert advice from speech therapists, nutritionists and librarians.
For 18 years, LaSpina lived in Rockville Centre and now that her children Teresa, 27, and Joey, 24, are grown, she and husband of 31 years, John, live in Long Beach.
Growing up, her favorite book was Heidi, but now she ways she couldn't possibly pick just one favorite.
She credits the library directors with always letting her try new things. This year the library will participate in the Duck Race on Oct. 19, and the Harry Potter Fan Club has been expanded into October and November. Every year there's something new, said Browne.
On Nov. 1, there will be a special dinner at Chez Peter in Atlantic Beach to honor LaSpina. Tickets are $40 and all are welcome, for more information call the library at (516) 766-6257 Ext. 9.
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