Library & Information Science Alumna Knits Community Together

Sheila Cursio ‘71C, ‘92MLS, librarian at the Great Neck Public Library Parkville branch, leads a knitting and crocheting circle that has brought the surrounding community together in service. The circle, which meets weekly on Thursday evenings, knits garments for those in need, including hats and blankets for premature babies at local hospitals, as well as hats for the homeless.

This year, the group has delivered 43 hats to an ongoing collection for the St. John’s University Midnight Run. The hats will be distributed to those in need by the St. John’s Office of University Mission.

“We have a great time,” said Ms. Cursio, who has been employed by the Great Neck Public Library for the past 30 years. There, she has maintained her connection to St. John’s. The Parkville branch head librarian is Justin Crossfox, husband of Library and Information Science secretary Michael Crossfox. Ms. Cursio also remains friendly with another friend from St. John’s, fellow alumna and part-time faculty member Ralph A. Monaco ‘71C, ‘92MLS.

“We started with six people and are now at 22,” Ms. Cursio said. “We’re a diverse group from the Great Neck and New Hyde Park community, and none of us knew each other beforehand. At first, we met every other week, but then the group wanted to meet weekly. We work on our own projects, but our commitment to service started with knitting hats for soldiers in Afghanistan.”

Ms. Cursio and her knitting group will continue to provide hats and scarves to St. John’s throughout the winter.