[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 40 (Tuesday, March 19, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E331-E332]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       RECOGNIZING SANDY FEINBERG

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. TIMOTHY H. BISHOP

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 19, 2013

  Mr. BISHOP of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an 
outstanding resident of New York's 1st Congressional District, Sandy 
Feinberg.
  In 1971, Sandy began her career at the Middle Country Public Library 
as a children's librarian. This position would lead to a forty-two year 
career as one of the most innovative and influential librarians on Long 
Island. She was named the Library Director in 1991 in recognition of 
her hard work and vision, a position she would hold for the next 22 
years.
  As Library Director, Sandy oversaw the expansion and renovation of 
two library locations. In 1999, she oversaw the transformation of the 
library's Centereach location into the largest public library on Long 
Island. Today, through innovative programs and extraordinary effort, it 
is not only the largest, but the busiest public library on Long Island.
  As a pioneer in library-community interaction, she founded the Family 
Place Libraries initiative. This comprehensive library-based early 
childhood and family support program has been replicated in more than 
350 libraries in 24 states.
  Sandy continued the library's advancement by overseeing the opening 
of the Miller Business Resource Center, a regional resource to promote 
economic development through small businesses, entrepreneurs, and not-
for-profit organizations. She also founded the Museum Corner, an 
interactive exhibit space with rotating hands-on educational exhibits 
for children. Finally, she created the Nature Explorium, a first-in-
the-nation library-based outdoor learning space where children can 
learn about nature.
  Sandy has also focused her attention on those in need outside of the 
library. She established the Community Resource Database, a collection 
of not-for-profit and government agencies available to assist residents 
in need. Eventually, the database would become Long Island 211, a 
telephone service center to connect those in need with available 
resources.
  She served as President of the Middle Country Chamber of Commerce and 
was a founding member of the Middle Country Coalition for Smart Growth. 
She served on the boards of the Child Care Council of Suffolk County 
and the Long Island Museum of Art, and is currently the Chairwoman of 
the Board of the Early Years Institute.
  Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the residents of New York's 1st 
Congressional District, I thank Sandy Feinberg for her years of 
dedicated service to our community. Her passion and enthusiasm for 
nurturing young minds has had a positive impact on countless families. 
Her willingness to initiate new tasks and challenges is an inspiration 
to us all. While her phenomenal leadership and ingenuity will surely be 
missed, her imprint on the community will endure for years to come.

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