What's new at the Valley Stream library?

The Henry Waldinger Memorial Library was recently selected as one out of five libraries to host New York Times best-selling author Susanna Kearsley. Initially, the library’s high number of online votes qualified it to be a semifinalist, and from there the pool was narrowed to five winners. “We’re the only library on the east coast that was chosen as one of the five, so that’s very exciting for us,” said Mamie Eng, director of the Henry Waldinger Memorial Library.

Kearsley, author of “The Firebird” and several other well-known works, held a book signing at the library this past Tuesday.

The library has also added several new resources, including a donation book bin, depository bin, and a new online language program. The new method of receiving donations no longer requires the library staff to sort through all materials directly donated and deem which are usable. Thanks to Better World Books, patrons may now deposit donations in a green bin at the back of the library parking lot. The items will then be donated to a Better World Books partner, sold or recycled. The library will receive a small portion of funds from books sold to BWB. Patrons may donate many types of materials such as textbooks, dictionaries, collectibles, periodicals, children’s books, DVDs and CDs, including books on CD. Donors may not place any restrictions on donated items and donations must be in good physical condition.

In addition to a new donation book bin, the library has a new book depository. The depository, made possible by New York State Sen. Dean G. Skelos’s donation, is located in front of the children’s room entrance. It accepts books in one place and media in a separate slot. Materials that are deposited by midnight will be recorded as returned on that day; anything after midnight will be recorded for the following day. 

Lastly, the library, in collaboration with Transparent Language and Recorded Books, presents a new and innovative online language-learning program. Eng said that the library has always had an interest in developing a language program; they used to use audio cassettes, CDs and alternate learning methods, but none were as convenient or affordable as the online program is.