Library Trustee President Retires Happily – Monteleone Says It Was All Worth It
Antony J. Monteleone finished his term as President of the Board of Trustees for The Smithtown Library on December 31st, 2014 when he officially declared his retirement. He held that position for two years and was both the President and Vice Presidents prior. In total he served twelve consecutive years on the Board of Trustees.
Robert Lusak is the Director of Smithtown’s Special Library District. “Anthony was there from the beginning, before he was on the library board he was instrumental in getting the word out to have the vote and separate from the town of Smithtown,” said Lusak.
Monteleone has been involved with library since 2000 when the Smithtown Library system was still run by the Town of Smithtown. “I really thought the library should be under the control of the residents,” he explained. Monteleone’s thinking was not innovative, most library systems throughout the state and all on Long Island had their own special library districts.
“The state historically frowns on any library controlled by a town government, it’s not in the benefit of the citizenry,” he continued. The library is overseen by the Board of Regents and they had issued several complaints about the condition of the Town’s Library System, saying they were not compliant with the state’s library standards. Monteleone said prior to becoming its own district, the libraries had not seen a major renovation or update since approximately 1996
A referendum was put up by the Town of Smithtown and the Voters decided to separate from the town; the birth of today’s library district commenced on January 1, 2002.
MORE THAN JUST BOOKS
Monteleone and Lusak say the Smithtown Library District is so much more than books. Today the Library runs many programs, lectures and technology classes throughout their four locations; The main branch in the center of Smithtown, the Commack branch on Indian Head Road, the Kings Park branch on Church Street and 25A and the Nesconset Branch.
They have exercise groups, writing groups, cooking classes and reading classes for children and toddlers. “All you have to do is pick up a bulletin, it serves everyone from infants to the oldest adults at no charge,” said Monteleone.
However, you don’t have to drop in to pick up a free Newsletter or Bulletin; it can be found online with a host of other critical information. The website has a section for Adults, Teens and Children. You can also find information about The Long Island Room where you will locate historic archives for all of Long Island. You can also download free books from the website for an apple product like an I-phone or I-pad. “You just need to download two apps (applications) for your devise,” explained Lusak. He said Library.com allows you to access a public card catalogue and Overdrive allows you to read it, it’s the actual READER. The Smithtown Library website is: www.smithtownlib.org
REBUILDING THE NEW LIBRARY DISTRICT
Monteleone says the library’s rebirth and growth has been a tremendous undertaking. The Smithtown Library first put a Referendum to bond for twenty-six million dollars for massive renovations in all four branches. However, the vote did not pass. “We went back to the drawing board and knocked 5 million dollars off and then we started the renovation project,” he added.
“The town government has been a good partner with us, helping us with certain things along the way, particularly ascertaining the Nesconset Armory for library use,” he continued. He said Supervisor Vecchio, Councilman Eddie Wehrheim and Deputy Supervisor Tom McCarthy voted to give the library the Armory property. “That was the linchpin, when we got that, it was the last piece of the puzzle,” said Monteleone. He said it was crucial to the whole plan for rebuilding and remodeling which included gutting the libraries and installing new boilers.
There were many problems with the Armory property, it was deeded to the town for park purposes only and New York State built an armory on it. The armory was then transferred back to the town for $1.00. “However, the property had covenants; it could only be used for park purposes, we had to get legislation to change it; to include that the property could be used as a library,” explained the Retired Trustee President. You cannot get bonded unless you have a clear title. Monteleone credits Assemblyman Fitzpatrick and Senator Flanagan for leaping over the big hurdles, the final hurdles.
“We finally put the shovel in the ground in 2006,” said Lusak. He said with it was a solid team effort; with the combination of a great library board, a great architectural firm, a great project manager and a great general contractor. Monteleone agreed and said the behemoth project went rather smoothly. “We also went with a project labor agreement, almost all union workers on our job,” added Monteleone.
MONTELEONE, THE LIBRARY PATRON
Monteleone lives with his wife of forty-four years Agatha in Nesconset. He has two adult children. A son David who is a priest in the Patterson Diocese of New Jersey and Andrew who is married with two children and also resides in Nesconset. They had a beautiful daughter Michelle who passed away as a child. Monteleone proudly announced that his son Andrew is the owner of Monty’s Pizza on Maple in Smithtown. When it comes to grandchildren, the two of them keep Agatha and Monteleone very busy. “My wife and I try to pitch in with his children as often as we can,” he laughed.
He ended his career of thirty years as a Guidance Counselor in Half Hallow Hills School district many years back. He said is very proud to be part of team that was able to bring Smithtown’s libraries up to the twenty-first century. “We have wonderful town, great parks great schools and now we have great libraries,” he said.
He is enjoying his retirement, he is relaxing and enjoying his free time. He plans on some traveling in the spring with his wife as well as doing little projects around the house.
BOOK A LIBRARIAN
Any Smithtown Library cardholder can make an appointment with a librarian for one-on-one training in various library and computer topics. We offer 30 minute sessions in the following areas:
– Using the Library Catalogue
– Introduction to Library Databases
– Downloadable eBooks and/or Audiobooks
– eReader and Tablet Demonstrations
– Introduction to Social Networking sites
– And more!
For information or to make an appointment, please call the Smithtown Main Building at 360-2480, ext. 120.
We also offer Book a Children’s Librarian. For more information call the Smithtown Main Building at 360-2480 ext. 140 or the Commack Branch at 360-2480 ext. 340.
RECYCLE STATION
All Branches of The Smithtown Library collect the following items for recycling:
– Non-rechargeable Batteries
– Cell Phones
– Eyeglasses