_______ Malverne/West HeMpstead ______
HERALD New state senator sworn in
Street safety improvements
W.H. girls’ hoops loses to E.R.
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Vol. 30 No. 3
JANUARY 12 - 18, 2023
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Inspiring kids, and adults, one poem at a time verne — where she presented previously — and West Hempstead — where she has yet to Lindamichelle Baron wrote recite her poems. her first poem when she was 6. “This is just absolutely amazAnd it was a hit piece. The child- ing,” said Baron, the author of hood couplet made three poetry books fun of her cousin and an associate proGerard’s big ears. fessor at York Col“I have a cousin lege-CUNY. named Gerard, Although Baron I think his ears was ahead of her are very odd …” time — throwing Gerard grew out shade at childhood his Afro to cover his rivals decades before ears. social media existed With that first — she eventually venture into slant developed poetry rhyme, Baron had that inspires. discovered the thrill Blessed with an — and impact — of infectious laugh and the written word. sense of humor and “That’s when I saw wonderment about the power of poetry,” the world, Baron she said. infuses verse into Poetry has been lINdAmIcHEllE just about everyembedded in Baron’s BARoN thing she does. life ever since. She Poetry has been leaned on writing to poet the constant support her through throughout her life. teasing in elementary school, “People who know me know I’ve and made a career through been in the community and verse. library and organizations for Now 72, she is the first poet decades,” she said. “They know laureate for the Town of Hemp- my energy, my love of life and stead. Her mission, Baron said, language and people — it’s all is to bring poetry to every corner embedded in my poetry.” of Hempstead, including MalContinued on page 14
By mARK NolAN mnolan@liherald.com
m
Ben Fiebert/Herald
THE WEST HEmpSTEAd Public Library reopened some services on Monday.
Library begins overhaul of children’s room despite delay By BEN FIEBERT bfiebert@liherald.com
After being delayed due to a building emergency, the West Hempstead Public Library has begun its renovations on the Children’s Room. The decision came after the library sustained damage when a fire sprinkler burst a week before the new year. Library officials had planned to reopen on Jan. 2, but the opening was delayed until the following Monday, with limited services. In-person programs have also been delayed. “All in-person programs have been cancelled for the month of January,” an update at WHPLibrary.org stated. It included a list of services that are currently unavailable, among
them the public use of computers and printers, tutoring, individual study rooms, and the quiet study floor. “These services are not expected to return until the end of February,” the update continued, “due to ongoing construction.” Some areas of the building opened on Monday. “Browsing will be available on the first and second floors for the adult fiction, non-fiction, media, and young adult departments,” the update added. But the Children’s Room will remain closed until further notice. Starting this week, there was no access to the phone extension in the Children’s Room. This will impact patrons who have children and use the room frequently. Continued on page 16
y goal is to promote the power of poetry and enjoyment of the gift of poetry to the entire community.