Summer Program Update

So far this summer, GNL has hosted two wonderful authors, Julie Orringer and Pete Hamill as part of our "Authors @GNL" series. They spoke to SRO crowds and were as gracious and open as we could have dreamed.  Julie Orringer, whose program I described in an earlier post, is pictured here.

On Thursday, July 21, Pete Hamill visited the Great Neck Library to discuss his latest book, Tabloid City, as well as his other writings, journalism and his life as an editor of the Post and the News.  The Community Room was packed, our overflow room was packed and still patrons hung around, even though they couldn't get into the program, just to meet him and speak to him.  He was charming and self-effacing and thrilled at the response. 

We were equally thrilled to have him.  We are looking forward to September, because Oscar Hammerstein III, also known as Andy Hammerstein, will be back to continue his discussion of his famous grandfather, Oscar Hammerstein and the world-famous Broadway musicals he helped create.  Mark your calendars for September 25th.

But it hasn't just been authors here at GNL this summer, we've also been thrilled to host three young musicians in our new series, "Music for a Summer Evening."  Joe Iadanza, who hails from Roslyn, appeared on July 12th.  Joe has an edgy, bluesy, Dylanesque sound, evoking many of the old themes of classic American Folk music with his original songs. We will soon have both of his CD's in our collection.  They are called, "Traveling Salesman" and "All in Good Time" but if you can't wait, try his website. It's a great place to get a taste of his style.  Matthew Fishstein is truly a rising star.  He appeared on July 19th and he plays a combination of different styles, combining original works with music by other composers. He uses the influence of his classical background to compose and produce unique jazz sound. You can catch him on YouTube
 To round out the series, Aliie Irsmambetova a talented young pianist played a wonderful program last night of romantic compositions from composers such as Brahms, Schuman and Schubert.  She enchanted the crowd with her wonderful interpretations of this music.

It's been a great summer so far.  Stop by and see for yourself.

Air Conditioning Has Returned

As we head into the really hot days of July and August, I am relieved to tell you that after 12 long hot days the library once again has air conditioning.  I want to thank each and every one of you for your patience and good humor during this trying time.  I especially want to commend our extraordinary staff who spent many long hot days with a mimum of complaints and a great deal of patience.  Through it all, they continued to serve you, our patrons, with their usual excellence.
As you may have noticed, we now have a rather large machine hooked up to the building by large hoses.  This is a temporary cooling tower which is functioning in the same way the cooling tower that broke down had functioned.  It is rather noisy and I apologize for the noise.  But the noisiest spot is the parking lot itself, but it's much less noisy across the street and across the pond, although it still can be heard.
So I hope you will stop by soon and enjoy our programs or check out a book.  We can once again promise what libraries always promise in the summer -- a cool place to be.

Date Set for Referendum

Major developments have taken place for our building project.  Last night at a special meeting, the Board of Trustees selected Tuesday, October 25th for the referendum for the library's building project.  This date has also been approved by the School Board, which is a necessary step since the School District is the library's taxing authority and hold all public taxing votes for us.
We are excited to take this enormous step towards realizing a goal that has been many years in the making. In the weeks and months leading up to this important date, we will make every effort to get you the information and facts you need in order for you to make an informed decision about the building project. 
We will explain what will be done and why we think it's important.  We will explain what it will cost and how you as our patrons will benefit from the investment we are asking you to make.
First comes site plan approval, scheduled for July 19th at the North Hempstead Town Hall.  If you're interested please attend.  And, as always, call or email me with any questions or concerns.  I look forward to hearing from you.