Long Time Employee Trades in Library for a Harley

There isn’t a person who works at the that he doesn’t know, and there isn’t an inch of the building that he isn’t familiar with.

For 18-plus years, Frank Day has called the library home, and for much of that time, it’s been his responsibility to keep the building going. Whether that meant making sure the vending and coffee machines were working, or if the HVAC, electrical and plumbing kept going, he was always up for the job.

“There is no such thing as an average day,” said Frank. “Every day is new. Something every day needs to be replaced, from the electrical, to the blinds, to desks.”

In December, Frank decided that nearly 20 years of being one of the faces of the library was enough and at the end of 2011, he decided that rather than clean carpet stains or organize the installation of a new roof, he’d rather hop on his Harley Davidson Heritage and visit family.

“I’m going to hitch up the bike and travel to see family.”

During his time at the library, Frank made it a point to get to know everyone he could. Always quick with a hello, or an offer for help, Frank endeared himself to library staff.

“I’ll miss everything, it’s like my family. My extended family. I know everyone. The library is a closely knit group of people,” he said.

Frank started at the library part time after being “discovered” one day as the owner of Chem-Dr, an upholstery and carpet cleaning business he owned.

“They liked the way I did the carpets, and I was looking for something full time. They offered me part time, and when I left the interview they said, ‘you’ve got the job.’ ”

Frank began as the afternoon supervisor, running the Chem-Dry business in the morning. Eventually he was made maintenance manager, which meant he was in charge of the physical building and security.

“Before that I owned bars and restaurants, one next to MSG, ‘The Gold ‘Ol Days Sports Bar,’ and in the West Village, ‘Jimmy Day’s,’ ” he said. “I had a disco on Long Island, called ‘Martell’s.’ ”

During his time at the library, employees have come to count on him for everything from a squeaky library cart or a sticky door to a dead phone line. Keeping up with it all has been a challenge, and one he might not have been up to if not for a group of talented employees.

“I’ve had a very good staff. The maintenance crew works well together and with me, constantly,” said Day.

With all that, a long history of dedication and plans for the future, Frank still says that should the library ever need a hand, they only have to ask.

“If they need help, I’ll come on by,” he said.