People of the Year: Robert Lusak — Leading Smithtown Library’s recovery with strength and dedication
By Sabrina Artusa
Smithtown Library Director Robert Lusak continues to work tirelessly to repair the immensely damaged library after the Aug. 19 storm. From arranging various reparations to meeting with the Federal Emergency Management Agency to reimagining the damaged basement, Lusak’s days are packed. His devotion exceeds simple career obligations and has made him a 2024 TBR News Media Person of the Year.
Talking to the director of almost 25 years, it is clear that the library is in capable hands.
About 17 years ago Lusak renovated and expanded all four library buildings under his jurisdiction. Back then he planned and replanned, sought approval, held meetings and consulted residents.
In August, when the basement of the Smithtown building was drowned in 8 feet of water, sludge and debris; when the windows were pushed inward and propelled almost 20 feet away; when the doors wouldn’t open due to the water pressure; and when it would have been easy to give up, Lusak climbed to the roof with volunteer fire fighters and descended the ladder to determine what was next.
What followed were phone calls to cut the power, meetings with staff, the salvaging of archives, interviews, fundraising and a high level of coordination that wouldn’t have been possible without Lusak.
“[Lusak’s work] is all for the people and preservation of history and you need to have the discipline for that, and Rob possesses that quality,” said Vinny Puleo, the vice president of the Rotary Club of Smithtown Sunrise, where Lusak sits as president.
“It was rapid-fire decisions,” Lusak said. “We set up a team, almost. We had our local history librarian come over and she was so composed and professional when she saw what happened to her collection. She treats it like her child. We had janitors and custodians bringing it up here to rescue it, to protect it. Obviously, you don’t learn this in library science school.”
Lusak has sympathy for employees who lost their offices and personal belongings and for community members who lost their library.
“The first week was a blur almost,” he said. “This is home to us, all of us.”
As Lusak walks around the building, that fact couldn’t be more apparent. The affection with which he indicates subtleties are proof of his care and attentiveness. Partial to Disney, Lusak points out that the artwork of the Smithtown library card contains a hidden Mickey Mouse. Evidence of Lusak’s impact and passion for his job is inextricable from the library itself.
The basement is now gutted and cleaned. There is still over a year before the main floors can be opened — a permanent electric line will need to be established and a new HVAC system installed —but Lusak is optimistic and already thinking of ways he can improve the library’s layout and services.
Smithtown Library Assistant Director Eileen Caulfield lauded Rob’s “exceptional leadership, commitment to service and impactful contributions across different sectors.”
In addition to his work as Smithtown Library director, Lusak is president of the Rotary Club of Smithtown Sunrise. Club members, who meet Thursday mornings, frequently organize donation events and partner with local charities. Recently, club members volunteered to purchase gifts for children whose families may not have the money for luxuries.
Lusak also makes time to fulfill his duties as a major with the 11th New York Infantry Regiment, a volunteer honor guard program that performs services to honor veterans and their families.
“When I heard it was honoring families and their loved ones who passed away, I was attracted to that. It is letting the families know that their loved one represented our country well. That’s why when [the unit] was brought to my attention I said ‘I’m in. I want to do this,’” Lusak said.
Lusak’s consistent consideration for his fellow community members is inspiring. The strength, perseverance and grace he has shown make him a valuable leader.
