Finley’s Carmen DiBartolomeo Named Librarian of the Year

J. Taylor Finley Middle School’s Carmen DiBartolomeo has been named the Western Suffolk BOCES School Library System’s Librarian of the Year. She has served as a school library media specialist for 10 years, including the past six years at Finley.

Ms. DiBartolomeo earned an undergraduate degree at Stony Brook University and a master’s degree at Long Island University. She is currently pursuing a post-master’s certificate in school building leadership at Stony Brook. She began her career as a senior library clerk at Calhoun High School in the Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District before going on to earn a degree in library science.

“What makes Carmen a true master teacher and leader is her role as an indispensable instructional partner to her colleagues,” said Huntington UFSD Assistant Superintendent Brenden Cusack at the Celebrate Our Successes award ceremony. “Our teachers do not just see her as a resource, they see her as an essential collaborator. She always goes so far above and beyond for our students and her colleagues as she supports learning in every single subject area across all disciplines. Everyone at our middle school knows that Carmen will drop everything to help her colleagues and students in any way possible.”

In addition to her work at Finley Middle School, Ms. DiBartolomeo also serves as a children’s public librarian at the Huntington Public Library and Manhasset Public Library. A trained therapy dog handler, she is often accompanied by her dog, Coco, who enjoys visiting Finley Middle School.

Beyond her daily library instruction, Ms. DiBartolomeo is a technology mentor, student ambassador advisor and a school library system liaison, and she contributes to several district committees. In 2025, she was recognized by ASSET as a Bright Light Award winner for her work integrating technology into instruction.

“Mrs. DiBartolomeo has consistently redefined what a modern school library can and should be,” Finley Principal Traci Roethel said. “She is a forward-thinking educator who seamlessly integrates technology, literacy and creativity to enhance learning for both students and staff.”

More than twenty letters of recommendation were submitted on her behalf by colleagues, administrators, and students. As one student shared, “Ms. DiBartolomeo is phenomenal librarian who has a smile and a wave for everyone in the building.”

Reflecting on the honor, Ms. DiBartolomeo said, “I am deeply humbled to be recognized with the Western Suffolk BOCES Award for Librarian of the Year and truly touched by the words of support from students and colleagues, We all hope to make a meaningful impact on the students we serve and reading their letters explaining why they felt I deserved this award was especially moving.”