Michael Young
Michelle Young is director of the Island Trees Public Library; a school district public library that is a government agency. Young has been the director of the Island Trees Public Library for five years with a staff of 30 employees. She has worked in the public library field for 27 years.
Young earned a BA from Hofstra University in English and Marketing, followed by a Master of Library Science (MLS) from Queens College. She also holds a Graduate Certificate in Public Library Administration from LIU Post/Palmer School, The College of Education, Information and Technology.
Residing at Rockville Center with husband Clive Young, Chief Content Officer of To mix together magazine for 25 years, they have a daughter Ava who is 17 years old. Ava attends Oceanside High School.
According to Young, the library’s slogan is: “The Island Trees Library: Where Knowledge Blossoms”.
Our Mission Statement: “The Island Trees Public Library’s mission is to be an integral part of the community, serving the educational, informational, cultural and recreational needs of the community we serve.” The Library is a place that welcomes education and knowledge; we seek to engage and connect with our community at all levels. Young’s goal: To ensure that everyone who enters our space leaves feeling even better than when they arrived.
Young is thrilled to say that Island Trees Public Library opened its new facilities in September 2021 and is currently the only library in Nassau County to be completely new. They went from a 7,400 square foot library to nearly 20,000 square feet, which includes moving from a 45-person maximum community room to an oversized 300-person community room with A/V lighting at the cutting edge technology. and sound system. Since opening, they have been able to hold in-person programs because they can both socially distance audiences and speakers safely.
Young is excited about all the benefits of modern technology available. The library offers free museum passes and free access points. They have oversized study pods for groups to meet together as well as areas in the library for quiet individual study. Plus, they have dozens of places to plug in electronic devices and free Wi-Fi both inside and outside on the library terrace. A diverse collection can be found in both print and digital formats – they have traditional print books as well as downloadable e-books and audiobooks, graphic novels, as well as services like HOOPLA to stream movies and music. The Island Trees Public Library even has a telescope you can check out and take home for all your celestial needs!
Young wants all organizations and businesses located in the Island Trees School District to know that they are eligible to receive an Island Trees Public Library Card. ITPL cardholders have full access to all collections and services.
By speaking with Young, you can feel and hear his passion for books, facts, news, literacy, writing, and outreach, as well as watch big ideas in action. In her spare time, a stack of books next to her bedside table awaits along with a fully charged Kindle Paperwhite e-reader.