James Pagano is library’s new assistant director

The newly appointed assistant director of the Franklin Square Public Library will help patrons step into the future with new technology.

Bringing with him 22 years of experience working in libraries across Long Island, James Pagano assumed his new position on June 1. With a lifelong love of literature, Pagano began his library career at the age of 14, working as a page at the Williston Park Public Library.

Most recently, he served three years as technical services manager at the Great Neck Public Library — an experience, he said, that will help with the facilitation of a Makerspace at the Franklin Square library.

The library looks to build a Makerspace, equipped with a 3D printer, for community use, thanks to a $25,000 grant secured by Assemblyman Edward Ra.

Library Director Aviva Kane said she hopes that the 3D printer in the Makerspace will be available within the next few months. Safety and cost considerations have stalled the process to purchase the machine, but the community should be on the lookout for the creative device in Franklin Square in the near future.

From a page, to a clerk, to a librarian, Pagano has worn many hats throughout his stint working in libraries throughout Nassau County. In addition to his work at the Williston Park and Great Neck libraries, Pagano also held the titles of children’s librarian, children’s programs coordinator and head of technical services at the Uniondale Public Library.

“I always find that that’s an incredible value to somebody who works in the public sphere to be able to communicate with all ages,” Kane said of Pagano’s extensive experience.

His experience with different communities throughout his career has made Pagano a “wonderful addition” to the Franklin Square community, according to Kane, who added that the new assistant director also speaks Spanish.

“He brings a breadth of knowledge and a breadth of experience that is very welcome here,” Kane said.

Libraries share a multi-layer circulation system to transfer materials between one another, and the process could be complicated. Kane said that Pagano’s experience as technical services manager at the Great Neck library has been beneficial to the Franklin Square library.

“He will be in charge of training on it, so we can all utilize it better,” Kane said.

Whether he’s helping patrons find a good book, solving a longstanding computer issue or directing them to a service, Pagano said he loves his job.

“It’s such a great privilege to work with the public, just to be able to help them with whatever they’re looking for,” Pagano said. “I’ve really been blessed with having a variety in my career.”

At the Franklin Square library, Pagano said that many volunteer opportunities are available for teens, thanks to teen services librarian Daphne Levy.

“It’s just really great, there’s a lot of interest from the teens and their families for that,” Pagano said.

The library’s partnership with the Franklin Square School District’s National Honor Society to help elementary students with their homework will also continue this year.

Starting in September, the library will host a library card membership drive that will provide an opportunity for teens to gain community service. Teens can earn 30 minutes of community service for every library card pledge — whether it’s to update or sign up for a new card — they receive in the community. 

To participate, teens are required to attend one of three orientation sessions in September to get friends, family and neighbors involved at the library. The program will last for two months, so teens have time to log their community service hours.

Community members should also be on the lookout for an art show at the library on Friday, Sept. 8, from 7 to 9 p.m.

The art show will display canvas work done as part of the Summer Reading Club.