Growing up here, the Great Neck Library was always a cornerstone of our community. It was where I’d browse the stacks as a tween/teen, looking for books to inspire me as a budding writer and lover of the written word. My grandparents lived in the community when I was a teen and they’d spend half their time at the library, going to lectures, classes, meeting up with friends. When I was a teen, Levels at the library was my sanctuary. I met my future husband there! Now, my kids are taking advantage of all the library has to offer as well and it makes my heart happy.
There’s a pivotal board election coming up in the next few weeks. Across this country there is a movement that is attacking intellectual freedom by silencing conversations about the LGBTQ community and about race, and this movement is targeting institutions (like schools and libraries) whose job is to defend these freedoms. Unfortunately, this movement seems to be gaining a foothold in Great Neck.
I believe we need to elect candidates who understand the important role that our library plays in our lives, who are staunchly supportive of the librarians and staff members who make the library great, and who unequivocally support a censorship-free, inclusive environment for all. That’s why I’m supporting Mimi Hu and Rory Lancman for the board, and Kim Schader for the nominating committee. They have shown that they support the values of our strong, vibrant, diverse community and know that a library stands for freedom of speech and ideas.
Please come out to vote. Applications for absentee ballots are due Oct. 18 and in person voting is Oct. 31.
Wendy Wisner
Great Neck