Northport Library Director Retires After 36 Years

Amidst hugs and fond recollections in a packed meeting room on Tuesday, Director Eileen Minogue bid a fond farewell after 36 years of building bridges with the community while nurturing a thriving library system. A job she said relied on one thing: people power.

"I always tell my staff that if there are two kinds of work: people work and paper work. If you come in to my office you'll see tons of paper because I'm too busy with the people -- that's what's important."

Minogue, originally from Queens, began her career as a young adult audio-visual librarian at the Northport-East Northport Library in the mid seventies. Since that time, she has undertaken many projects with the help of her staff such as tiling a mural, constructing buildings and a , introducing a , and, most recently, creating a teen center.

Speaking at a farewell reception on Tuesday, Minogue said, "I've seen libraries constantly evolving toward today's fast-paced, often impersonal digital world. But the one constant is truly caring about one another, paying attention and really listening to what our community needs," she said, later adding, her eyes welling up with emotion, "These Irish eyes are smiling through tears of appreciation. I only hope that I have given as much to you as you have given to me."

Minogue will leave her position on July 1 at which time James Olney, current assistant library director, will take over accompanied by Nancy Morcerf as Assistant Director. Olney has served every position in the library since he began as a page in 1985 and later attended library school at C.W. Post under the advice of library staff. He has been assistant director for nine years and previously served as head of computer services.

He most looks forward to maintaining and nourishing the libraries relationship with community and shining reputation. "We are listed as a four star library by a national library journal. We want to maintain that as well as the great service that we offer," he said. "Patrons first."

As for Minogue, you can catch her enjoying the "endless summer" of retirement. "I always loved summer to enjoy the outdoors, nature, and a slower pace, so if you're looking for me after July 1, you'll find me catching a wave, playing in the sand, and relaxing with a good book in my hand."