Hewlett-Woodmere's Pagemasters marks its time together

Pagemasters, a weekly reading and social program for challenged adults which meets at Hewlett-Woodmere Public Library, presented and unveiled a collaborative project, a 30-pound wooden sculpture, commemorating the past six years of learning together now displayed by the Cultural Program Specialist’s office in the library.

Pagemasters began in 2015 and meets every Monday to read, watch movies, play vocabulary games, take part in icebreakers, along with other activities. Nadine Connors, HWPL’s cultural program specialist, guides the Pagemasters and art program librarian Diana Brewster also works with the club. “The club is really run by them [the members],” Connors said.

There are nearly eight regular Pagemasters members who have been involved with the program since it started and wanted to create something to display in the library to commemorate their time together.

After working with Floral Park-based local artist Steve Hetzel for several months, the Pagemasters contributed to the creation of the 30-pound wooden sculpture.  Hetzel taught art lessons at the library before the coronavirus pandemic struck and worked as a graphic designer and illustrator for 30 years.

“We couldn’t have done it without his help and guidance,” Pagemasters member Jackie Emanuel said during the project presentation on Jan. 24.

After presenting background information on the Pagemasters and the process behind the art project, members shared reasons why the book club is special to them, discussed their favorite books, and many expressed their appreciation for the social aspect of the club.

“The club approved all drawings of the artwork, brain stormed ideas, chose colors, textures, and sanded the wood for the project,” said Matt Kaner, a Pagemasters member. “We chose our favorite books to be part of the sculpture, with quotes from them.”

Group photos were also displayed as part of the artwork.
Valley Stream resident Maryann Berger watched her son, Anthony Berger, present at the Pagemasters presentation. Since Anthony joined Pagemasters, Maryann has seen a significant improvement in his reading skills.

“I notice he likes to read a lot more than he did before,” she said. “He enjoys it now and he comprehends it so much better because they all read together and then they discuss it, so you understand what you’re reading. It’s wonderful.”