The Garden City Public Library's Board of Trustees is pleased to announce that Carolyn Voegler, PhD, has been appointed Library Director effective April 30, 2009. Ms. Voegler comes to the Library with an excellent background in library services. She was most recently the director of the Floral Park Public Library, where she was instrumental in providing library services to meet the varied needs of all library users.

During her 17 years working in libraries, Ms. Voegler has served as president of the Nassau County Library Association (2007-2008), one of the largest active library groups in the United States with nearly 1,000 members. She remains an active member of this and other library organizations.

The Library Board of Trustees said, “We know that Garden City has an excellent library with superior personnel and believe we have chosen an outstanding individual to continue this tradition.” Ms. Voegler is looking forward to using her knowledge and expertise to provide excellent services, resources, and programs to all of the citizens of Garden City.

The Garden City Public Library opened on May 4, 1952 with a collection of less than 10,000 volumes. Today the Library has over 150,000 materials, in a variety of formats, including books, periodicals, films, and audio materials. The mission of the Garden City Public Library is to provide materials to respond to the diverse information, educational, and recreational needs of all community members.

Library Board Remembers Former Trustee Edward Starr

The Board of Trustees of the Garden City Public Library regrets the passing of former Library Trustee Edward Starr, who died on June 21, 2009. Mr. Starr served on the Library Board for 11 years, retiring in December 2005. He was appointed Library Trustee representing the CPOA on January 12, 1995. During his tenure, Mr. Starr held the posts of Vice Chair and Chair of the Community Relations Committee. Mr. Starr was instrumental in introducing several new community relations initiatives for the Library.

J. Randolph Colahan, the current Chair of the Library Board, also served on the Library Board with Mr. Starr. Mr. Colahan said, “The Library Board is deeply saddened by the death of our highly respected former trustee Ed Starr. Ed was a stabilizing factor and a voice of reason during his many years of service to the Library.” Mr. Colahan added that Mr. Starr was an excellent communicator and shared his professional skills with the Library Board.

John M. Delany, who served as Chair of the Library Board when Mr. Starr was Vice Chair, said, “Ed Starr brought a wealth of knowledge from his prior work experience to help the library when it was necessary. He was more than helpful to me as Vice Chair and always willing to do the extras and whatever was needed.”

The Library Board recognized and honored Mr. Starr’s contributions to the Library upon his retirement. Carolyn Voegler, the current Library Director, said, “The Library gratefully recognizes Mr. Starr’s long service to the Library and the residents of Garden City. On behalf of the Board of Trustees and the staff, I wish to offer our condolences to Mr. Starr’s family.”

Library Wishes Tom Witt Good Luck on New Appointment

Thomas B. Witt, assistant director of the Garden City Public Library, has been appointed Director of the North Merrick Public Library, effective June 8, 2009. A luncheon was held in the Library’s staff room to thank Mr. Witt for his service to the Garden City Library. Carolyn Voegler, library director, members of the staff, the Library Board of Trustees, and members of the Friends of the Garden City Public Library congratulated Mr. Witt on his new appointment and wished him continued success.

Mission Statement
Adopted by the Library Board of Trustees 11-10-2008

The mission of the Garden City Public Library is to provide library materials, programs, services and facilities that respond to the diverse informational, educational and recreational needs of all the community members. It is recognized that those needs are not static, and the Library continually evaluates its collections and services to ensure that they are responding to the people in the community. The Library seeks to vigorously promote the use of Library services and thereby increase public awareness of the Library in the community and is receptive to suggestions from Village residents.