Library turnaround is a tall task in Wyandanch

The Wyandanch Public Library's problems are an open book. But it's unclear whether a better ending can be written.

The library's board of trustees has hired a new full-time director, Lambert Shell, who previously led the Roosevelt Public Library and worked in the Queens Public Library system. The hiring comes as Wyandanch residents have lacked a functioning, successful library for far too long, leaving the community without a vital centerpiece of knowledge and information.

Instability and mismanagement have governed the library for two decades. Lately, it hasn't kept a director for more than a year or two and has lacked technology upgrades and trained staff. Accusations of nepotism and misspending are ongoing, but library officials refuse to provide line-item budgets, making it impossible to truly assess spending.

Shell served as a consultant to the floundering library for years, providing him with prior knowledge of its dire troubles. Now, he's going to have to delve more deeply to rectify them. That starts with the need to fire custodian Kwaisi McCorvey, who pleaded guilty to third-degree rape and child endangerment for sexually assaulting a minor in 2016; he's been accused by the same woman of additional sexual abuse at the library between 2016 and 2018. Shell must convince the library board to end the ongoing charade of suspending McCorvey with pay. Until then, McCorvey's presence will undermine any library turnaround. 

Shell also must work with the Suffolk Cooperative Library System, the umbrella organization for the county's libraries, and the state Education Department, which oversees and regulates them. Wyandanch last year failed to meet state minimum standards in numerous categories, leaving it in danger of having its registration revoked. Shell told the Newsday editorial board that he's dedicated to resolving those concerns by June 30.

He can't stop there. The library has long suffered from fiscal mismanagement, understaffing, nepotism and a lack of resources, especially in technology. Those aren't easy hurdles to clear. Shell must evaluate his staff, hire and fire when necessary, and improve training. And he has to surround himself with competent financial professionals who can assess the library's financial records, develop new fiscal strategies, and make sure the library undertakes a full audit after years of not having one. Shell also should be transparent with the community, by sharing full budgets and publicizing the board's meetings widely.

Shell can't do this alone. The library board cannot stand in the way of change that's in the best interest of the library and community. More oversight must come from the state Education Department.

“I'm not a person who runs from challenges,” Shell told the editorial board. “And I don't like to fail.”

That's good — because turning around the Wyandanch Public Library has been a challenge no one has met up to now. Time will tell whether Shell is up to the task.