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When Ann Burke took a part-time job as a page at the Babylon Public Library during college, she never expected to still be there 35 years later.
“I thought it was temporary,” she said. “But I realized I liked working in the library, and it just snowballed.”
Today Burke is the assistant library director, working closely with director Tom Vitale. Her official anniversary is Oct. 3, but the staff surprised her with an early celebration during the Sept. 16 board meeting.
“It’s very hard to plan surprises in this library because we’re really close and we all talk to each other,” Vitale joked.
Still, he and the team managed to pull it off. The library board, Friends of the Library, Babylon Mayor Mary Adams, local officials, library regulars, and Burke’s family all turned out.
“It’s not every day in any job that somebody stays 35 years,” Vitale said. “We all wanted to honor Ann.”
From card catalogs to Libby
Burke has seen the library transform, from card catalogs to digital apps like Libby that let cardholders borrow ebooks, audiobooks, and magazines.
“I’m a librarian and I will fight for books. But today it’s also books in other formats,” she said.
The library has also deepened its role in the community, hosting movie nights, its annual Touch-a-Truck event (Oct. 25), and a Fall Family Fun Day with Dinoman (Nov. 1).
“We try to offer a little bit of everything for all ages,” Burke said.
What keeps her going
For Burke, the highlight has always been the people—both the staff and the patrons.
“Our employees roll up their sleeves and get things done,” she said. “And the families here love the library, love what we offer.”
She isn’t talking retirement just yet.
Instead, she’s focused on mentoring the next generation.
“Being a librarian takes education, but the essential part is dealing with the public and making the library a second home,” Burke said. “If anyone reading this is interested in library school, come see me.”
Top: Ann Burke (R), the assistant library director at Babylon Public Library, was recognized by Babylon Mayor Mary Adams (L) for her 35 years of service to the community. (Courtesy Christie Leigh Babirad/Babylon Herald Beacon)
