Nurturing Growth through the Sachem Public Library

The Sachem community has been blessed with an outstanding public library which during the last decade has expanded and grown under the leadership of director Judith Willner.  She has managed to turn the words of her library's mission into a reality.

"We wish to create a welcoming community space, where residents can flourish and be enriched."

Since 2000, the size of the facility at 150 Holbrook Road has doubled, with over 60,000 square feet of meeting, research, technology and community rooms, a reading café, outdoor courtyard and seemingly acres of books and media.  Of the 80,000 residents in the Sachem community, over 60,000 hold library cards and last year alone Judith and her staff of 160 helped the 606,000 people who walked through their doors.

A director's vision can shape the functioning of their library.  Originally planning to become a history teacher, Willner was inspired at Boston's Simmons College to enter the library field.  She learned her trade and sharpened her skills at the University Library in West Virginia, in federal business and research libraries in New York, and finally in the public library systems of New York City, Connecticut and Northport. 

Willner has benefitted from extensively travelling the world, each destination yielding new knowledge from foreign library systems which might be applied here at home. 

"Singapore has a marvelous system, very advanced, with a significant automation of their materials," she said. "So has Saint Croix and Hong Kong.  Scandinavia libraries are very open in their approach."

Willner's extensive travels and experience can be reflected in the way the Sachem Public Library services their community. 

"The library has to change and grow with the times," she said. "We serve the people…and feel responsible to offer them what they want… and to expand their horizons… to keep ahead and see what's new and to evaluate it."

Sachem Public Library's approach is using the latest technologies, the finest facilities and the dedication of their staff to help their residents in many ways.  Special training programs in their technology center quickly fill up.  E-Books, DVD's, Films on Flash Cards, Audio books on CD, downloadable books online or on special "Play Away" mp3 players are the latest in information technology,  all offered to deliver information, skills, entertainment and knowledge to residents in any form they desire. 

Besides the vast collections of adult, teen and children's literature, Sachem is part of the Suffolk Cooperative Library System.  Last year there were 50,000 interlibrary loans, where books and other media were sent over to Sachem residents from libraries across the county. 

"This cooperative circulation system allows us to reserve and get resources from others, to expand our collection," she said.

A gigantic children's section dominates an entire wing of their building, offering both a friendly and safe environment and the latest in books, software and programs for parents, children, toddlers and even infants.  Willner is enthusiastic on a special new program teaching new parents the benefits of infant massage and touch therapy. 

She is just as excited about an upcoming jobs fair to be held on April 20th, in cooperation with the Department of Labor. Over 50 recruiters will be present offering counseling and opportunities for those suffering through these hard times.

Willner in her role as director defines the term "public service," for her experience, vision and leadership offer the Sachem community help in realizing their personal dreams and potential.

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