The Accidental Librarian Finds Her Home in Merrick

Merrick Library Director Ellen Firer probably shouldn't be here. 

Her intentions throughout college were to teach history, she said. Yet, shortly after moving to New Jersey in the late 70s, Firer was strolling through the Rutgers University campus when she spotted the School of Library Science.

"I said to myself, 'That sounds great!'" she said laughing.

And now, Firer seems to belong exactly where she is.

For the past six years she has helped to make the Merrick Library the community-oriented information vestibule that it has become.  According to library statistics, more than 19,000 patrons walked through the library doors in February. 

"I think that we've developed into community centers and we are much more than books and DVDs," Firer said. "We serve the community in a way that no other facility does, from the youngest baby to your oldest seniors."

Growing up in Brooklyn, Firer recalls walking to the local library and walking out weighed down by 25 books.

"I was always an avid reader," she said. "I always had my nose in a book."

Firer bounced from part-time positions, first at the Massapequa Library, and later to the Plainview Library, where she became a full-time staffer as the dual head of reference and computer services. As the Internet became an integral part of the communications world, Firer felt that this was the place to be.

"With the economic downturn, people are not buying DVDs and books when you can get them from the library," Firer said. "I think people are using the library more than ever before."

With Firer leading the way, the library has become a designated mainstay for the Merrick community. Over the years the library has begun to display art work, relay job information and offer various programs to suit patrons needs. 

Firer spends time mentoring her colleagues and future librarians.

"One thing I find rewarding is working with the staff and mentoring people to develop their own professional goals," she said. "Working within the community, it's important to know how we've been able to evolve to meet the everyone's needs."

Firer, who resides in Massapequa Park, has been married for 35 years and has four sons.

Assistant Library Director Maureen Garvey has worked with Firer for the past five years.  She agreed that working in a public library is rewarding and that Firer  strives to have an impact on those she works with and for.

"She works hard to serve the community," Garvey said of Firer. "People appreciate what she does."

Firer also serves as secretary of the Merrick Chamber of Commerce and participates annually at Library Lobby Day in Albany. 

"We serve everybody in the community, not just one group or one nationality," Firer said of the library. "We are here for everybody and I think it's important that we remain that way."