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People on the Move: Karen Nealis
06/27/2008 - By Beth Burke
Giving holmdel’s public library a facelift
When senior librarian and branch manager Karen Nealis took the helm of the Holmdel branch of the Monmouth County Library 4 years ago, she had to figure out how to spend the $250,000 federal technology grant the library had been awarded in preparation for their new building. Her main dilemma stemmed from having to spend that money not on a new building, but at the small “temporary location” – the basement of the Holmdel Town Hall that has housed the library for more than 25 years. But the 12-year Holmdel resident was not going to let that stop her; Karen was eager to jump in and put that money to good use. She wasted no time implementing a series of upgrades and programs designed to bring more people to the library and get ready for the day when the library’s location would be moved to a more suitable site.
She was restricted as to the type of upgrades that could be made, so Karen had to get creative. In addition to replacing all the computers, color copiers, and printers, she was able to purchase related supporting new technology, including popular books on tape, ADA-compliant computer workstations and catalog stations, MP3 players for computer-downloadable books, additional DVDs, and even a large, portable plasma TV for showing movies in the children’s library. Karen felt all these components were necessary additions in order to create a welcoming environment for the community.
Many mundane cosmetic changes were also needed, including replacing both rugs (which were ripped when old furniture was removed) and the electrical system; there was also the addition of a digital phone system. Karen feels that “If you make a place more attractive, brighter, and user-friendly, then people will want to come.” Some other upgrades were a paint job and new seating (to accommodate senior citizens, moms of kids attending story time, and those attending other programs). The unique “technology-compatible” feature of the replacement seating is a laptop arm that swings out; the flexible design enables it to be moved around and used as desktop space.
Karen’s wish is to continue adding new programs as space permits. One such program, beginning this summer, will bring senior citizens and high school students together for one-on-one computer lessons. This year she had to cut an outreach program, but is committed to bringing it back next year; it involves visiting the middle schools to teach kids how to search for information through the databases on the Monmouth County Library website. Another exciting program set to start this fall is called “One Book Holmdel.” Under this program, Karen will choose one book for the whole town to read, to be followed by an “author talk” and reception at the library.
Thanks to Karen’s foresight and innovative ideas, the grant money has been spoken for and the upgrades are in the final stages of completion. She now hopes to concentrate on spending more time with Bill, her husband of 25 years (and high school sweetheart), and their two children, Emily and Conor, both of whom are home from college for the summer. She also looks forward to pursuing other interests, including cooking and entertaining.
As you might guess, Karen is an avid reader who is passionate about being part of a “serious, no chit-chat about kids or neighbors” book club, with several “very diverse and smart” women; the varied interests in the group encourages her to read books she may not have chosen on her own. Keep an eye out…their next selection just may end up on the shelves of the Holmdel Public Library!
STATS
Favorite restaurant: Molly Pitcher Inn’s bar, Red Bank
Favorite musician: Sting
Favorite movie: Wedding Crashers
Pet peeve: bad manners
Three people you’d like to have dinner with: my dad (who is no longer with us), Shakespeare, and Ellen DeGeneres –
to liven things up
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