Why were you intrigued with the Directorship at the Palisades Free Library (PFL)?
I have always been impressed with the library’s reputation and the community support it receives. Not too many small libraries can attract a Nobel Laureate, such as Toni Morrison, to speak at their adult program.

Your thoughts about the collection?
The collection is great for a small library. The reference collection is up to date, with lots of information for collectors, parents and their college bound children, and it offers the latest information on science, medicine and doctors. We have all the bestselling fiction and nonfiction books, thanks to our subscription to McNaughton, which allows us to rent new publications. This service is very popular among smaller libraries and addresses small libraries’ challenges of money, space and disposal. You might say McNaughton is ‘Netflix’ for books.

What do you see as trends in small libraries?
The trend in small libraries is to do more with less – and this is certainly true at this time. Technology has and will continue to play a pivotal role, giving smaller libraries greater scope through our online databases. Another exciting trend is the use of Web 2.0 and social networking. With Web 2.0, you create content on the web using sites like YouTube, Flickr, blogs, and Facebook. At the library, we will look at ways to use these free applications to connect with our users.

One major advantage smaller libraries have is that they are more nimble and flexible – this affords us the opportunity to try things out and move quickly.

What has been the biggest surprise so far?
One thing is the number of loans leaving the Palisades Free Library to the rest of the system. We circulate almost as many books as we borrow from other libraries. This is unusual for a library this size and is clearly a reflection of the quality of the collection.

What should we, as residents, know about the Library?
First, you have a comprehensive and well-managed collection. Second, the Library has tremendous resources that go beyond the collection. The reference staff is very knowledgeable and eager to assist you. The work they do is incredible. After you’ve ‘googled’, call us!

What will you need from the Board and from the Community to be successful?
This is an easy question – we need the community’s input. We need to know what our customers want from their library. Please call me (359-0136), come by or email me (mgagliardi@rcls.org.) with your ideas, suggestions, requests and concerns.

What are your plans for the future of the Library?
My first priority is to manage the collection and work with our staff to insure that we provide superior service to all patrons. And, of course I’ll be working with the Board in executing their priorities for the Library. These include: a need for additional space, instituting services to create a ‘high tech, high touch’ atmosphere and managing the finances.

What changes should we expect?
I really want to hear more from the community to frame some changes. But I am comfortable announcing the following:

• On January 2, we are expanding our hours. We will be opening earlier Tuesday and Friday at 11:00 a.m. [I’d love feedback about this change.]
• We are updating our circulation rules, making them more generous.
• We will be offering programs to address the needs of all constituencies and have already launched some programs for young adults and teens aimed at getting them engaged with their local library.
• Lastly, I’ll be communicating frequently with the community to open up an active exchange about what’s needed – what we’re doing – what’s new – and what’s changed.
  

You are aware of the 'flat' budget for 2009. Any impact on the Library‘s services?
Yes, as a Tappan resident, I am well aware of the budget challenges for our community. There will not be any cuts in our services or materials. I’ve studied our budget carefully and worked with the staff to evaluate the collection, our services and our technology. We’ve already made a few decisions and equipment purchases over the past month that will serve us well for the next few years. Most importantly, we’re prepared to manage the budget without dipping into our reserve – at least for this fiscal year.

Please call me (359-0136), come by to visit or email me mgagliardi@rcls.org with your ideas, requests and concerns.

DID YOU KNOW? For six months in 2002, I worked part-time at the circulation desk in Palisades when I was thinking about leaving the museum world and exploring public library work. Beatrice said I was overqualified for the position but said she’d “give me a chance” anyway. I admired her style and learned a lot from her, and this experience motivated me to shift my career from a museum library to public libraries.

For more information about the Palisades Free Library – our new director, new programs, hours and policies – please go to www.rcls/pal.org. Thanks!