As with all grand adventures, Victor Caputo’s journey at the Bryant Library began 25 years ago with an advertisement in the “Help Wanted” section of The New York Times.

Caputo’s efforts have now been recognized not just in his community, but also beyond it. On May 19, the Bryant Library director received the LDA Library Award for Excellent Achievement in Library Service.

“I was just so humbled by the kind words because I love what I do and when you’re lucky enough to be able to love what you do every day, that’s reward enough sometimes,” he said. “I really was stunned when they told me — in a good way.”

Founded in 1978, the award recognizes an individual who has made outstanding contributions to Long Island libraries. 

Since 2015, Caputo has served as Bryant’s director. He recalled working when he received the call telling him he had won. 

He characterizes the phone conversation as “a nice laugh,” but explained he didn’t realize the weight of the honor until after it was over.

“When you’re recognized by your peers and by people in the community, it was just so overwhelming for me,” he said. “It did take me a little while to let it all sink in. It was still sinking in when I was receiving the award and giving a speech.”

While the accolade surprised him, it did not for those who work with him. Alice Robinson, a library employee who nominated him for the prize, said it was well-deserved.

“There were other worthy candidates, but Victor’s years of experience in so many fields, his love of libraries, compassionate and humorous nature shone through,” she said.

From school superintendents, library directors and more letters of support in the nomination process, Robinson emphasized that his victory was a joint effort.

But Caputo’s path into the library field wasn’t planned. Originally, he was a journalist.

While interviewing the then-incoming director of the Hicksville Public Library, she mentioned she was seeking someone to assist with programming and newsletters, which led to his hiring.

He later moved into marketing, where he worked in Manhattan before finding a home at Bryant.

“I called and spoke with the then-director, came in and interviewed and started on my birthday, May 5,” Caputo said. “I just celebrated 25 years here. It’s been an amazing, amazing journey.”

During this time, he has worked with local leaders to make the library an important local resource. He has also been a powerful advocate for libraries across Long Island.

At the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, library personnel called patrons to inquire about their well-being. They also added activities to counteract their loneliness. 

Robinson added he has worked for diversity by making the library a better reflection of the community.

“We have a Hispanic librarian here, a Chinese librarian and we’re getting more mixture for people who can speak a different language,” she said. “For the first time ever, we offered a defensive driving class in Spanish. We never did that before.”

Robinson said that the library has continued to extend its programming to incorporate more languages and characters in the books it provides.

Caputo added that in addition to embracing the information age, the library is considering remodeling. Opened in 1874, it is the oldest continuing library in Nassau County.

“It needs some slight updating without taking away the charm,” he said. “For a lot of people, the library holds a lot of memories, and we don’t want to mess with that. But we want to enhance those memories and provide people with comfortable seating and a place to really go and be part of the Bryant’s family and tradition.”

Caputo highlighted the community as the driving force behind his passion. Working with patrons, watching them grow up and reach their goals has made his work worthwhile.

“The rewards outweigh everything,” he said. “I feel like, in a way, I should be giving the award to the community because of what they’ve allowed me to do here.”