“It has been a pleasure and joy,” says Philip Greco, retiring director of Weehawken Public Library, where he worked 17 years. One of his memories was on Sept. 11, when the mayor asked the library staff to keep the library open late and stay there so it could be used for emergency shelter. Government officials ended up using the high school instead of the library as a shelter, but Greco and his staff of 12 people volunteered serving food at the Weehawken Nutrition Center that night.
Life after retirement and teaching children to love reading
Greco retired last June 30. Since then, he has been enjoying himself “for the first time,” he said. He joined swimming classes and he also went away with most of his family to North Carolina before Hurricane Irene. He is looking forward to volunteering.
“You can’t snuggle with a Kindle.” – Phil Greco, former Weehawken library director
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“It helps them sleep, too,” he said.
He also noted that it is important to buy them books, and take them to libraries and books stores like Barnes & Noble.
New directors
Holly L. Pizzuta recently was named new librarian and director of library operations and administration. Kelly Fitzgerald remains as librarian and director of services and programs. Greco is thankful to all his staff and to Kelly Fitzgerald. According to Greco, Fitzgerald started working at the library when she was 16.
Although she wanted to be an attorney, “we encouraged her to become a librarian,” said Greco. “She is bright and sociable; the library would not be as progressive as it is today if it wasn’t for her. She gave me an insight to the future.”
“I’m excited about working with the library,” said Pizzuta about her new position. She wants to increase the programs at the library for adults and for young readers “so they become lifelong library lovers,” she said.
Pizzuta is looking forward to working with Fitzgerald, saying, “I have a lot of respect for her.”
Programs at the library
For the past 15 years, Weehawken Library has invited the first through sixth-grade students to receive their first library card and to learn about the departments, databases, and programs available at the library.
“The programs that are currently running [at the library] are fantastic. They all did a phenomenal job”, said Pizzuta, referring to Greco’s programming at the library. Pizzuta will not only continue with them, but increase them and add more variety.
“I foresee the library as a hub for the community, where people can come in not only to read, but for a little bit of escape,” said Pizzuta.
To escape from reality, visitors at the library also have the possibility of downloading e-books to their Nooks and iPads at no cost. Interested readers can learn how to do it at the library. Kindles are not covered by this service because of its proprietary software.
Paper books vs. e-books
Greco said he doesn’t have a Kindle or a Nook. He still believes in holding a book. According to Greco, the Kindle is a great device, but you don’t get the smell and feel of a book.
“You can’t snuggle with it,” he said, referring to an e-reader.
He has a collection of more than 100 books at home. He likes to read Nicholas Sparks and James Patterson. Right now he is reading “Century” by Peter Jennings.
“Lots of people like the sense of a book,” Pizzuta said, adding that it is another way for people to read. “As long as people are reading, I’m happy.
Pizzuta loves both paper and e-books. But she said that when she travels, it is easier to have multiple titles on her e-reader. She has a Kindle and a Nook. She mentioned that she likes giving some of her paper books to friends and libraries, so that books don’t take over her home. Her current collection is over 100 paper titles and 100 electronic books.
When asked about the future of books and libraries, Pizzuta said she believes books will never disappear.
“[There is a] changing technology,” she said. “That’s all.”
Her favorite books are “The Hunger Games” trilogy by Suzanne Collins and “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee. She also enjoyed “The Help” by Kathryn Stockett, which she read at the library’s book club when she was part of the library’s Board of Trustees. She will continue running the book club at the library every third Monday of the month at 7 p.m. To inquire about the book club, contact the library at (201) 863-7823.
An invitation
Weehawken Public Library has over 40,000 books and access to 5 million more through BCCLS. BCCLS stands for Bergen County Cooperative Library System, a consortium of 74 libraries throughout Bergen, Hudson and Passaic counties. Library patrons can request a book from those other libraries, and it will be delivered to the Weehawken library.
“I invite all to come [to the library]; it is absolutely gorgeous,” said Pizzuta.
Pizzuta, who was raised in Weehawken, has traveled around the world. Her favorite library is the Weehawken Public Library. “There is no place like home,” she said. “It is cozy and homey and it has a welcoming atmosphere.”
The library is located at 49 Hauxhurst Ave.