Community concerns aired at Peninsula Public Library meeting
More than 100 people, including two elected officials, packed a library board meeting on Sept. 3 to voice concerns about leadership, staffing and whether the library will continue to serve the whole community.
The Nassau Herald reported that more than 100 residents filled the Peninsula Public Library's lower-level meeting room on Sept. 3, including Assemblyman Ari Brown and Nassau County Legislator Howard Kopel. Over 20 people spoke during public comment, and the board was advised not to respond or engage with speakers during the meeting.
Several residents worried the library might stop serving everyone. Monique Hazzard of Inwood, a resident for 63 years, said she grew up with the library and feared it might close or change its name. She said she wondered if only one group would be allowed in, adding, "I'm not Jewish." She hoped residents across the community would continue to feel welcome.
Library employee Davevonté Young, who said he has worked there five years, described a difficult work environment. He said staff dealt with staffing and resource shortages and that attempts to address concerns with an apology, pizza party, email or vacation were not enough. "We got no staff, no books, no nothing," he said. Rena Mosak said she found it disturbing that some taxpayers felt excluded from a library they help fund, and she called for equal access for all.
Board President Akiva Lubin said the board aims to serve the entire community, not one group at another's expense. He said the library is expanding initiatives to represent residents who have historically felt underserved, and that serving them better does not make the library less inclusive. Lubin said the library will keep a strong general collection while adding programs to reflect changing needs.