Saint Bartholomew Catholic Academy Library Opening Ceremony

On May 30^th, the new Caroline M. Reale library, set in a second floor classroom of Saint Bartholomew Catholic Academy (SBCA), opened officially, with a group in attendance cheering the occasion. SBCA, at 43-20 Judge Street, closed its library in the auditorium in the late 1990’s, along with an adjacent room, once used for choir practice and activities, as both were converted into classrooms. This old library, rather sizable for a primary school, was a comfort zone for many students, a welcome break away from the classroom, a chance to peruse titles, skim through books, and search for titles after learning the Dewey Decimal system, and of course receive guidance and support from its longtime librarian, Mrs. Reale. Reale, in her capacity as school librarian, often instilled a drive to learn, and encouraged students with a passion for reading, devoting time to listening one on one. Thus, she became a beloved figure in many of our childhood St. Bartholomew memories. Donna Marie Reale said, “The dedication of the new library touched my heart, as I recalled the devotion my mother had for her job of 22 years at the original library. I am sure my family thinks the same.”

Speakers at the event were Father Andrew Tsui, SBCA Principal Grettel Dominguez, Donna Marie and Richard Reale, children of the honored librarian, and Ann Marie Passantino, who taught fifth grade at St. Bartholomew’s from 1972-1985. “I was happy and excited to begin my teaching career and to meet my first class of 42 girls. I think they thought of me as a big sister, but they were respectful, and it was a wonderful experience. The following year, all classes in the school were co-ed so the classroom dynamics changed a bit, but it was still a satisfying experience to teach in an atmosphere where so many parents were supportive of their children’s education. The school was an active community and I got to know many of the families on a more personal level. As a result of the bond that evolved, that relationship with teachers and students of St. Bartholomew School was something that I chose to continue,” said Mrs. Passantino.

The new library space, brightly decorated and arranged provides a welcoming feeling when entering. It will hopefully serve a vital, tangible, and essential link to a student’s educational path. “The library is a necessary space for the growth and development of students because the exposure of new books may establish an interest in the topics he or she may never have thought of, maybe even a future career,” said Ms. Reale. The school experience overall is markedly different from the days of yore; the student population now numbers around 140, compared with the 800 plus to 900, which then filled three classes per grade. With the changing times, teacher’s roles have evolved as well as the principal. Back in the day, the principal’s office; usually closed and foreboding, was a place evoking fear and avoidance. Ms. Dominguez, principal the last several years, is involved in all aspects of the students’ school experience, providing a holistic approach showing understanding and respect when advising student concerns, as well as maintaining an active presence in the community at large. With the school, now in its 107^th year, it needs all the support, encouragement, and appreciation from alumni, parishioners, and area residents. The new library is a jewel to behold moving forward. Mrs. Passantino concluded, “It was a privilege to attend the opening of the Caroline M. Reale library, named in honor of my dear friend. Not only did Caroline keep the library running smoothly, but she was also an excellent pianist and shared that talent with the school. I am happy that she has been memorialized in this way.”