Library Celebrates 40 Years in its Current Building

Local dignitaries joined Garden City Public Library staff and board members, past and present, Sunday to celebrate the library's 40th anniversary in its current building on Seventh Street.

More than 90 people attended the afternoon ceremony.

Library director Carolyn Voegler said the event enabled officials to speak about changes that have taken place in the building over the past four decades.

"Library services have been enhanced and we look forward to serving the community by meeting their needs today, tomorrow and for years to come,” she said.

Library Board chair J. Randolph Colahan, vice chair Gloria Weinrich, Sen. Kemp Hannon, Assemblyman Edward Ra and Mayor John Watras all spoke about the importance of libraries.

"We were so happy to have such a large turnout at the celebration," Colahan said, "as well as to see so many familiar faces including prior trustees. It was different but refreshing for the board, library and village staff to celebrate our building since we are usually talking about various repairs needed."

Ra and Nassau County executive Ed Mangano, though unable to attend, both recognized the library on its anniversary with a citation. Mayor John Watras noted the importance of the library to the Village of Garden City, adding that he and the board of trustees are "excited" to work with the library board and deliver a great product to citizens.

The library opened in May 1952. The first building was located at the east end of Seventh Street until 1958 before it moved to a larger building located slightly west of the present library. The current building was constructed in 1973 and later renovated in 2007.

Boy Scout Tony Bennett of Troop 243 (Parish of Saint Joseph) recited the Pledge of Allegiance and Garden City High School senior Gabrielle Nastasi sang America the Beautiful to open the ceremony. Friends of the Garden City Public Library provided refreshments.

Library Board members John Schultz, Peter D’Antonio, Ph.D, and Lola Nouryan, Ph.D also participated in the celebration. Past and present library board trustees were recognized for their contributions to the library and the Garden City community.

Colahan expressed his appreciation to Ms. Weinrich and the program committee who planned the celebration. In addition to Colahan and Weinrich, the program committee consisted of Voegler, reference librarians Laura Flanagan and Ann Garnett, children’s librarian Barbara Grace, computer systems librarian Joe Agolia, senior typist clerk Joanne Kastalek and village historian and photographer Suzie Alvey.