Due to the snow storm and snow removal there will be no parking on Main Street Until Further Notice
The Baton
Twenty some years ago a new Library Director came to Town. It was a moment when we were at the threshold of change, when the idea of building a new Library was in the air and very much needed. Rosemary Cooper brought with her years of library experience but also a clear understanding that building a new library was part of her mission. Her mission was actually a community mission and she deftly worked to create the consensus throughout our Village and Town. This was the foundation that a new library had to be built on. Rosemary and the Library Board Chair, Donna Applegate, worked tirelessly, methodically to reach out to the public. Their work defined the path that would lead to building a new home. There was some serendipity with the generous donation of two acres of land from Leland Development, who at the time was building Warwick Grove, and some lobbying by the Village to make sure that the Library remained in the Village and easily accessible.
The outreach never stopped and each phase of design and planning in some way included a public dialogue. The library was built on the vision that came from the community and truly celebrates who we are.
The new home was quickly filled with books, incredible programs, computers, history, art, and light. It became a place to meet, to work, to discover. It instantly became a hub, an active community and cultural center . The library was not only defined by a new building there was also a renewed understanding of what a library is and can be. Rosemary’s leadership was the catalyst of this transformation. The work did not go unnoticed and in 2016 the Albert Wisner Public library received the national recognition as the ‘Best Small Library”.
And now Rosemary has made the decision to retire. It was a good run and a long-measured race with so many remarkable moments along the way. We are grateful that you found us and brought the steady hand we needed to navigate the many changes, that though inevitable, are never easy. As a community we are eternally appreciative for your generous work Rosemary and wish you well on your retirement. Thank you! Two small words that in this case are supported by volumes of gratitude.
This is the moment the baton is passed. Lisa Laico who has been the Adult Service Coordinator, Head Reference Librarian, and Co-coordinator of The Children’s Book Festival is the new Library Director. Lisa is dynamic, smart and if the baton toss is a combined measure of a team, we are in for a record win! We wish you well, Lisa, at this exciting time and your new leadership role.
