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Vol. 33 No. 4
JANUARY 22 - 28, 2026
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Library looks ahead to more improvements By MADISoN GUSlER mgusler@liherald.com
Over the past few years, the We s t H e m p s t e a d P u b l i c Library has undergone a number of renovations, with more to come in 2026. With over 10,000 cardholders, the library staff works continuously to meet the community’s needs. “Libraries have gone past just the library renovations physical books and In 2022, the chilmedia,” said Regidren’s room was na Mascia, the renovated. The library’s director project included since 1999. “Librarnew flooring and ies are trending in carpeting, and the different directions construction of a and trying to keep larger play area. residents engaged, EMIlY TREzzA Last year, colorful and I think it’s Assistant director, murals of books in important.” West Hempstead nature landscapes Though patrons Public Library were added to the make use of the play area and the available physical media — with nearly 200,000 children’s programming room. The reference area and the items checked out in 2025, according to Mascia — the adult department were redone library continues to expand its last year. New carpeting was installed, and the reference programming and methods of desk was rebuilt to be more engagement. “We want to provide people accessible to wheelchair users with more educational and cul- and to store more “take and tural opportunities,” Assistant make” crafts — kits patrons Director Emily Trezza said. Continued on page 3
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Courtesy Malverne school district
Lorna Lewis, left, former superintendent of the Malverne school district, and Camille emeagwali, longtime community advocate, were recipients of the 2026 dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Humanitarian award.
Malverne schools hold 40th MLK commemoration By SEAN KENNEDY Correspondent
Honor, pride and integrity filled the auditorium of Howard T. Herber Middle School on Thursday, when the Malverne school district hosted its 40th annual Martin Luther King Jr. celebration. During the ceremony, the 2026 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Humanitarian Award was presented to Lorna Lewis, the district’s former superintendent of schools, and Camille Emeagwali, a longtime community advocate. The award is given yearly to recipients in the local school community who have exem-
plified the values of the slain civil rights leader. “Our two honorees tonight have been instrumental in crafting a culture of brilliance, where every child is seen, heard, and inspired to live a fulfilling life,” Stephen Benfante, assistant principal for Davison Avenue Intermediate School, said. Throughout the celebration, students perfor med an ar rangement of songs and anthems from important African American artists, including James Weldon Johnson’s “Lift Every Voice and Sing” and the Rev. Charles Tindley’s “We Shall Overcome.” The Continued on page 20
“People are very excited to see that.” Mascia, began her career at the library as a page in 1978, and Trezza, joined the staff as a trainee in 2007. Even as the world becomes more digital and the library adapts, both women say, West Hempstead patrons continue to gather there and take advantage of the resources it offers.
ike most libraries, we’re trying to be a community center for our residents.