John Pascal, Library Trustee, (right) displayed the official photo of Alan Roeckel, retiring Library Director, which was hung in the Library to honor him for his many years of service. Mr. Roeckel joined the Library's staff in 1976 as an assistant reference librarian. Garden City Public Library Director Alan Roeckel retired June 21st after working more than three decades at The Garden City Library. Library staff, former employees and retirees joined with the Library Board of Trustees and village officials to honor Mr. Roeckel at a retirement dinner on June 26th. Mr. Roeckel became the director of the Library in 1987. He plans to move the Denver suburbs where he will live with two of his three sons. Thomas Witt, assistant director, is the acting director of the Library.

Pictured from left to right, Elizabeth Huschle, Library Trustee, Gloria Weinrich, Library Board Vice Chair, and J. Randolph Colahan, Library Board Chair, presented Alan Roeckel, retiring director, with a gift from the Library Board of Trustees. Library Trustees Barbara Brudie-Martis and John Pascal were also in attendance. In addition, the Friends of The Garden City Public Library gave Mr. Roeckel a painting of the library (far right) done by Susan Alvey, a Garden City artist.Retiring Library Director Alan Roeckel received several tokens of appreciation at his retirement party. Mr. Roeckel, who is retiring after 32 years of service, expressed his gratitude to all those in attendance.Steven Ilardi, a 24 year part time employee, (left) presented retiring Library Director Alan Roeckel with a gift on behalf of the Library staff. Mr. Roeckel thanked the staff and the Library Board of Trustees for being "the best" a director could ever work with.