A New Chapter Set to Begin at Seaford Public Library

One chapter is closing and another is about to open at the . Marilyn Griffin is retiring at the end of this month as Seaford Public Library director after nearly a decade in the position and will be replaced by Frank McKenna.

"I've had a wonderful career here," said Griffin, who became Seaford's library director in 2002 and has been employee at the facility since the late 1960's. "It is time for me to move onto the next stage of my life."

Griffin's association with the Seaford Public Library dates back to 1967 when she began working there as a college page. In addition to her role with the library Griffin is also very active in the Seaford community including serving as a secretary for the .

"Marilyn has just been a tremendous asset not only to the library but the entire Seaford community," said Seaford Public Library president Peter Jr. Ruffner.

Ten candidates for the director job replacing Griffin were interviewed by the Seaford Library Board of Trustees but McKenna stood out from the rest, said Ruffner. McKenna is currently the director of the Island Trees Public Library and has previously served in the same role at the .

"The board was very impressed with his knowledge about the issues in Seaford," said Ruffner. "You could tell from the interview process that he did a great deal of research."

McKenna has been director at the Island Trees Public Library since early 2006. Prior to arriving at Island Trees McKenna served five years as director at the Wantagh Public Library. The Levittown resident is also an active member of the Nassau County Library Association and served as the organization's president in 2006.

"Although I have sad feelings about leaving Island Trees I very much look forward to serving as director of the Seaford Public Library," said McKenna, who holds a Masters in Public Administration from Marist College. "I look forward to continuing the great collections, development and programs they have there."

McKenna said he would like to continue the collaborations Griffin has helped establish with the Seaford School District and community organizations like the Seaford Wellness Council and Seaford Lions Club. He also wants to see the Friends of the Seaford Public Library continue to flourish and grow. Another goal he has is starting a Seaford Public Library fan page on facebook.com.

McKenna said he has sad feelings about leaving Island Trees but will continue to stay in contact with the library. He will officially be taking over in Seaford on Jan. 18 and will be meeting with Griffin next week to help plan the transition.

"I wish my predecessor, colleague and friend Marilyn Griffin all the best in her retirement," said McKenna. "I am excited about coming to Seaford."