Public Employee Press

Profile in Public Service
Library worker makes a difference in Sunset Park

By ALFREDO ALVARADO

When Zenobia Pointer received the College of New Rochelle's 2011-2012 Ursuline Student Service Recognition Award on Jan. 26, she joined the growing list of union members who have been acknowledged for outstanding service to their community. The Local 1482 member works as an Office Manager at the Brooklyn Public Library's Central Library on Grand Army Plaza.

"Zenobia is an outstanding student and role model for her peers," said CNR DC 37 Campus Director Dr. Patrice Gouveia Marks, who presented the award. "We are all proud of her."

Pointer also received the Dean's Merit Award for academic achievement and earned her degree in three years while working full-time, managing her home with husband, Kevin, and children Akeana, 18, and Tyreek, 26, and still finding time to mentor new students on campus while participating in a work-study program.

She also goes beyond the requirements of her job at the library. She helped implement the Community Partnership Program, a joint effort between local businesses and the BPL that provides incentives to library card holders to support local small businesses that offer discounts to members. "This highlights the benefits of literacy and of the Brooklyn Public Library," explained Pointer.

She was also responsible for reaching out to the nonprofit group Groundswell, to arrange for a mural at the corner of 54th Street and Fifth Avenue in her Sunset Park neighborhood. Groundswell brings together professional artists and public school students to create public works of art. "The mural represents the cultural diversity of the neighborhood," said Pointer.

What's her secret for successfully juggling work, college, and family? "I have a supportive family and positive friends," said Pointer. "Time is an issue, but with a supportive family you can do anything."