Public Employee Press

Office Aide honored: She goes the extra mile

At the Sunnyside Community Library in Queens, co-workers know Office Aide 3 Barbara Murphy as the engine that keeps their bustling workplace running smoothly.

She goes out of her way to help patrons and colleagues. “She makes our library look very good,” said Supervising Librarian Abigail Goldberg, who gathered signatures on the petition that nominated Murphy for the Queens Library 2008 employee of the year honor, known as the Lamplighter Award. “She is my library hero.”

Murphy said she was flattered and surprised by her co-workers’ support and by the decision of the in-house committee that chose her for the honor.

Queens Library Guild Local 1321 President Margalit Susser, who used to work with Murphy at Sunnyside, said the14-year veteran employee helps make the community library a “warm and inviting place for everyone.” Murphy readily helps out co-workers when there are long lines at the circulation desks, and she is always willing to assist in planning programs, Susser said.

She’s there for patrons, too. Once an elderly library-goer called her from his hospital bed because he was worried that he might have items checked out on his library card.

“I like to help out and go above and beyond,” Murphy said.

“Barbara is a great team leader,” said Customer Service Supervisor 2 Scott Finz, who worked with Murphy. “She is very good at motivating her co-workers.”

Other Local 1321 members honored with 2008 staff service awards included Nancy Weiss, Jane Jacobs and Jamieshah S. Hollowell.