Faces of Hauppauge: Matt Bollerman, Hauppauge Public Library Director

Matt Bollerman, the new director of the Hauppauge Public Library, has experience when it comes to building libraries and sees a future workign with the Hauppauge community.

Bollerman took over the reigns of Hauppauge Public Library Oct. 24 after Judith Berry announced her retirement. He was previously the director of the Westhampton Free Library, where he managed construction of a new $7.8 million, 14,250-square-foot building. Bollerman also became president of the New York Library Association this November.

Patch caught up with Bollerman for a Q-and-A session about his experience building the Westhampton Free Library and what he brings to Hauppauge.

Q: What attracted you to working at the Hauppauge Public Library?

Bollerman: "When I was in Westhampton, I was involved with a building project. We built a brand new 14,250-square-foot facility. It was day I was at the opening, I said I want to do this again. It was a very interesting process to me. I really enjoyed doing it.

So, I feel as though in Hauppauge there is an oportunity to possibly do that again. Obviously, they've purchased the property at Hidden Pond Park and there's an interest in having a permanent home for the Hauppauge Public Library. I want to be a part of that."

Q: What experience did you gain in building the Westhampton Free Library that you can bring to Hauppauge?

Bollerman: "Everything. I was involved in every aspect of making sure the building occurred. From the schematic phase of the planning to the bond referendum, which was helping run a campaign to have the financing in place for the project. Through to the demolition of the existing building we were in. We had to demolition two structures to rebuild on the same site. I had to set up a temporary shelter for 22 months. I think I learned quite a bit during the process.

I was at the job site every day during construction of the new library to make sure it was coming out the way we wanted it to be. If the Hauppauge community chooses to support the project that the board puts forward, and the community puts forward, those tax payer dollars are very precious. It's up to those who oversee it to make sure they're not wasted."

Q: Where on your priority list is moving forward with construction of a permanent home?

Bollerman: "They are giving me time to get acclimated. At this point, there is no schedule but it is something we will be talking about with the community.

It's the right time to do planning and be able to talk to people about it, bringing the community in because you have time to talk. Talking is a lot less expensive than putting shovels in the ground. I don't think the board will move forward with it until they feel it's going to be something that is well received."

Q: Where does the library fit in, or what is its mission, in a modern technological world?

Bollerman: "Not everyone is online or on computers. A lot of people rely on the library as the access point to that world of technology. If you walk out here, there's always people using our computers to access information online... ."

"I think the library's role has remained the same throughout its long and storied history. We provide an opportunity to introduce people to literacy. I think the core mission of the library is literacy based. You will see children exploring books long before they are entering school. We are helping prepare kids so they can perform well in k[indergarten] to 12."

Bollerman highlighted that Hauppauge Public Library offers a range of programs for children, homework help for students and downloadable eBooks and streaming movies free of charge for those technologically adept.

"We are having to bridge a gap. We are in the middle of a massive change. Predictions said the internet would close newspapers, close magazines. Those resources are still doing well, they are not necessarily thriving, but they are still being used. The library has to balance its delivery of information with any method presented to us."