Page 13 - Work Force May 2019

CSEA members observe National Library Week
CSEA members who are employed as library workers recently marked National Library Week through numerous activities and events designed to promote and educate community members and elected leaders about the value of library services.
Our union represents thousands of library workers throughout the state, many who work in bustling urban centers, college campuses and smaller rural communities.
CSEA members who work in libraries note that the libraries not only provide free access to books, but serve as business and technology centers that provide essential services to their communities, including children, senior citizens and people in need.
“Our members who are employed in libraries provide valuable services to our communities that often go well
beyond books,” said CSEA President Danny Donohue. “These libraries are the lifeblood of our communities and it’s important that they continue to have adequate resources.”
Renee Kendrot, a City of Rochester librarian who started her public service career in 1988 as a library page, said libraries are a microcosm of our larger society.
“Libraries play an important and unique role in the communities
we serve and provide an inclusive environment where all patrons are equally treated with respect and dignity,” she said. “There are not many public spaces on earth where that actually happens.”
Kendrot, a recent CSEA LEAD Program graduate, added that funding our libraries and supporting library workers is essential to strong communities, and that
the importance of libraries need
Renee Kendrot on the job.
increased recognition.
“Our libraries serve as a lifeline
for some of our most vulnerable populations,” said Kendrot.
“From combating community-
wide issues such as illiteracy and homelessness, our public libraries act as gathering spots and catalysts
in fostering solutions that connect us to something greater than our individual selves. This is really important work. And, I see positive change happen daily — it makes me proud to be a public librarian.”
— Ove Overmyer
Walsh honored by LCLAA
WESTBURY — CSEA activists recently joined other members of the labor community to celebrate award honorees and scholarship recipients at the Labor Council of Latin American Advancement’s Long Island Chapter’s (LCLAA) 7th Anniversary Scholarship Gala.
At the event, CSEA Statewide Treasurer Bill Walsh was honored for his
contributions
to the labor
movement.
“It was
really an honor to be recognized in that fashion because I never thought of myself as one to stand out because I’ve always wanted to promote working people and we’re all part of a team,” Walsh said. “The individual receiving the award is never alone and is part of something bigger than themselves, which helps us grow as
leaders. While we may come from different backgrounds, we all fight for working people together.”
CSEA members have long
been active in LCLAA, an AFL-CIO constituency group that represents about 1.7 million Latino/trade unionists throughout the United States, including Puerto Rico. LCLAA members engage in different
creative programs promoting political empowerment,
cultural pride and economic development of Latino workers and their families.
CSEA Port Washington School District Unit President Ritchie Acevedo serves as president of LCLAA’s Long Island Chapter.
— Wendi Bowie
CSEA Statewide Treasurer Bill Walsh, center, is honored for his contributions to the labor movement. CSEA Port Washington School District Unit President Ritchie Acevedo is shown at far right. (Photo provided by Ritchie Acevedo.)
May 2019
The Work Force 13