Category: Director Notes

Dear Residents,
Spring has evolved into summer, and the blooms in our beautiful gardens are reaching for the sun. During the easy breezy days of summer, I think about how easy it now is to access, locate, and borrow library materials.

In the past few months, we have launched our CSH Mobile app and introduced new library cards with convenient key tags. You may also download eBooks from either our mobile app or website onto your smartphones or tablets. During road trips or sunny days at the beach, listening to a good book may be your preferred option. Use our “RBdigital” service to find popular audiobooks.

Perhaps you rely upon your library for meeting space; you may now request a meeting room online from our website or via our mobile app. This easy, fillable form is sent directly to Mrs. Caputo, who will check room availability and respond to your request.

The Youth Services librarians have planned over 50 free events for all ages. Registration is required for most programs. Now, you may register your child for any program online from our website or mobile app. They have also organized a group of Drop-in Programs that do not require registration and are therefore ideal for visiting grandchildren or rainy days.

So, when you find yourself looking for the perfect summer read, check out two new features on our website or mobile app: “On Order” and “New to Our Collection” give you easy access to lists of new titles – just click to check availability or make a request.

This August, we will mark our 8th anniversary at 95 Harbor Road. Your support of programs and expanding use of our building are a true testament to the value of the public library in your lives. I hope to catch you often this summer enjoying a book, newspaper, or magazine in the Reading Room, a wonderful retreat from the heat.

See you very soon!

Dear Residents,
On April 8, community members turned out to elect three new library trustees and approve the operating budget with a significant 3:1 margin of support. This vote of confidence means so much, both to the volunteers on our board of trustees, and to the employees who work daily to provide the very best resources and services.

The impact of technology on our lives is significant. From the single act of borrowing and reading a book or watching a movie, there are gadgets to make it convenient, but also complicated. Almost every day, a community member asks me for assistance with a digital device. Your librarians are constantly learning about these devices, and they are ready to offer personal instructions.

To date, we have over 1,000 members registered to borrow from our huge eBook collection. Please explore these vast holdings, which are available for 14-day loan periods, and download an eBook or audiobook to your device anytime, anywhere. They are ideal companions for your next business trip or vacation.

From our website or via our new mobile app, you can now request “on order” titles. We often order items months before their public release date, and now these titles can be easily found and requested.

With deepest gratitude, the board thanks Laurel Hollow resident Nancy Silver for her seven years as a trustee. Nancy’s architectural skills were a tremendous asset during construction and post-occupancy. Her knowledge and willingness to share her expertise really made a difference and has had a positive and permanent impact. With each farewell, there is a new opportunity to welcome new members, and this year, Helen Weinstein, Cold Spring Harbor; Tara Belfi, Laurel Hollow; and Aviva Franz, Laurel Hollow will join the board and begin 3-year terms.

Summerfest will be on June 26 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. New this year will be a petting zoo and assistance from the Cold Spring Harbor Lions Club. Club members will be selling water bottles and raffle tickets for a kayak. Each year, the CSH Lions Club donates a portion of the proceeds from their September Fishing Derby for children’s library events. We are grateful for their support.

We recently held several events that were very well-attended, but we realize that many members may miss an event. Here are the resource guides for two recent events you may have missed: Identity Theft Prevention (www.ag.ny.gov/consumer-frauds-bureau/identity-theft) and Start the Conversation (goo.gl/D6IZAG).

The May/June issue of the newsletter contains many programs for all ages. Please plan to attend the lecture by Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory scientist Zachary Lippman on June 19 at 7:00 p.m. He will explain how he is increasing crop yields for tomatoes and the life-saving impact of his discoveries.

See you very soon!

Dear Residents,
Volatility, unpredictability, the weather, market forces, the impact of technology: through all of these moments, your library is a constant, reliable resource. Sure, we have adopted and adapted to technology when it serves your likes and needs. eBooks, online resources, a website, a mobile application, and 24/7 access to programs and resources are standard business practices today. But, so are friendliness, a comfortable chair by the fireplace on a cold day, and a plethora of good books, movies, and magazines to discover and enjoy.

On Tuesday, April 8, I ask that you take a few minutes to visit your library and participate in the Budget Vote & Trustee Election. Special events for all ages have been planned, underwritten once again by BNY Mellon Wealth Management. For children, there will be cupcake decorating, as well as Ellis Adler’s first visit as “The Funnyman.” For teens, the Cold Spring Harbor Junior/Senior High School Chamber Orchestra will perform in a special concert, while other students educate us about their scientific research. For adults, we have two special events: a Michael Fairchild presentation on the Battle of Gettysburg, and art historian Franklin Hill Perrell’s lecture on the Barnes Collection in Philadelphia.

The budget for fiscal year 2014-15 complies with Governor Cuomo’s tax cap, and will enable us to maintain the collection and services you demand and expect. How you use the library has evolved. Numerous groups schedule meetings on our website, and many of you log in to the catalog to request a book, or have downloaded the CSH mobile app from the App Store or Google Play for easy access to multiple resources from a phone or tablet. Hundreds took our survey last year, which asked how you use the library. I will study the results and apply this additional knowledge to my future decisions.

Fifteen years ago, I walked into the former Goosehill location of the library, and asked a trustee how we got there. Now, I know that each year is filled with opportunities to be welcomed and challenges to be conquered as we move forward. Planning was the key to our successful past and process is the key to our successful future.

See you very soon!

Dear Residents,
What’s next? My New Year’s resolutions include the usual: lose 10 pounds, exercise, eat healthier, spend time with family, learn a language, write handwritten letters, and, of course, make time to read more. The turning of the calendar from one year to the next gives us a moment to reflect, remember, and recognize our accomplishments and the resolutions left behind. We resolve to do better, begin our diet on Monday, and exercise in the morning.

What’s next for you? Your library’s programs and resources can help you fulfill your resolutions. Take time to learn a language with our free online tutorial, Mango Languages, learn to paint at our workshops beginning next month, or learn how to be a better gardener at our “Grow More with Less” program on March 9 (visit our Events Calendar at www.cshlibrary.org, or see the next issue of the newsletter for details). Parents, we have created Book Bundles, a convenient way to pick up books on your child’s favorite topic, such as trucks, princesses, planets, or animals. Students, besides helping you with your homework, we can also offer guidance with the college admissions process.

We are delighted with the response to our first app, which is available for Apple and Android devices. From either the convenient new app or from our website, you can request titles, book a meeting room, or simply learn more about the many instructional services we offer every day.

To date, hundreds of residents have picked up the new library card with key tag. Stop by anytime; it takes just a few moments to get the new card. While you are here, let the librarians help you download free eBooks to your devices or suggest a few new items from the print, DVD, or CD collections.

If you are curious about tablets, we are thrilled to announce a grant from NYS has provided us with three Google Nexus tablets. You may borrow a tablet and discover firsthand the convenience of mobile technology.

As 2014 begins, we are filled with hopes and promises; let your library help you keep your promises.

Hope to see you soon,
Helen M. Crosson

Dear Residents,
The trend is clear: our lifestyles have shifted from stationary to mobile; from home and hearth to wheels and web. Your librarians see this change as a terrific opportunity to extend our programs and resources in new ways. On November 1, we launched our first Apple and Android-compatible app. From your phone, tablet, or other mobile device you will have easy access to collections, downloads, program registration, room bookings, and so much more.

Meanwhile, traditional services remain. In September, we introduced Bouncing Babies for the little ones and new library cards with a key tag for your convenience. Every day the librarians teach community members how to use new gadgets and online resources. Look for a new detailed list of Instructional Services, and call for an appointment or stop by when you have a few minutes. We will be happy to assist. For those planning a trip this holiday season, bring your tablets and we will fill them up with free eBooks for the whole family.

If your plans this holiday include a visit to a museum, then reserve a museum pass by calling an Information Services Librarian at (631) 692-6820.

Our downloadable products just got much bigger. Countywide, we have once again increased the eBook budget and added the 3M eBook product, in addition to our Live-brary and RBdigital collections. From our homepage at www.cshlibrary.org, select “Download eBooks, Video, Music & Audiobooks,” download the app to your device, and enter your barcode or username to access the collection. To date, over 850 community members are using this free service. Join today!

This holiday season, we are pleased to be a U.S. Marine Corps Toys for Tots drop-off location. When you visit the library, please bring a new, unwrapped toy for a needy child on Long Island. This act of generosity will bring joy to both the giver and receiver.

Best wishes for a happy and healthy New Year!

Dear Residents,
The weathermen sure can predict a heat wave, and this summer has been a record breaker.

Fortunately, it’s also been a record breaker in your library’s Children’s Room. The librarians predicted the “Dig Into Reading” program would be a success, and they were right. This summer, hundreds of children read thousands of pages; plus, they learned about our natural world of wonder found all around us in the air, land, and water.

Adults joined the fun this summer too, with a virtual book review program and meet-up to share stories. If you like writing brief reviews, please let the Information Services librarians show you how we can all share our favorite authors, characters, and stories all year long.

Please plan to attend an extra-special event on October 20, when we’ll meet our friends and neighbors to learn about their outreach efforts in Haiti. See page 5 of the September/October newsletter for more details.

We are introducing a couple of new programs this fall. Teens’ Night Out begins on October 11. This new event on Friday nights will allow our teens a chance to gather in a social setting and participate in really cool projects. For details, call Miss Kate. Our little ones enjoy the blocks, puzzles, and other toys in the Children’s Room, and we have now added a Bouncing Babies Storytime for children ages birth-13 months that will be led by Miss Diane on Mondays.

During the school year, parents and students juggle schedules filled with study time and extracurricular activities. Your library has 24/7 access to many resources to help you earn an A+. Visit www.cshlibrary.org and click on “Online Resources” or download our mobile app, which will launch later this year.

Meanwhile, the next time you stop by, pick up your new digital library card, and let our helpful Circulation Staff show you how to update your account, add a username, receive text alerts, or even keep track of your reading history.

Dear Residents,
Your public library is the one place with something for everyone. From toddler time to yoga, best sellers to eBooks, tax forms to homework help, rooms for group meetings to rooms for art, music, films, and lectures, your free library card is the key.

Getting a library card has never been easier; just visit our website and click on “Apply Online” to complete a brief application. You will instantly be assigned a library card and immediately have access to free eBooks for your iPad, Kindle, or other eReader. If you need assistance, all the librarians are ready to offer one-on-one guidance, either in-person or over the phone. They have also produced step-by-step directions that are available on our website.

Every day, your Children’s Librarians introduce little ones to the wonder of words, stories, crafts, games, and group play. Add our daily children’s activities to your “to-do” list. Visit the Community Events Calendar on our website or see our newsletter for details.

For adults, we offer daytime and evening book discussions, cooking classes, special guest lectures, and concerts. All of our programs may be found on the Community Events Calendar on our website.

There will be a few changes at the library. Coming soon will be key tag library cards featuring our new logo. We know how popular key tags are, and we hope you will attach this new card to your key chain and carry it with pride. There will also be a free mobile phone app available from iTunes. It will be compatible with all mobile devices and will make accessing our programs and services very convenient. Over the last six months, over 1,000 iPads or other portable devices connected to the WiFi network at the library each month, and soon you will be able to print from your wireless device to a central printer in the Reference Room.

Your school district and public library continue to develop a strong partnership. During the 2012-13 school year, our librarians led several workshops for teachers and students to demonstrate the depth and value of traditional and online resources. We hosted student artwork and science posters, welcomed elementary school visits, and answered thousands of questions about homework assignments asked by both parents and students.

Look for the annual CSH Lions Club Fishing Derby on Saturday, September 21. Take a chance on a kayak. A portion of the proceeds from the Fishing Derby enables Children’s Department programs. We are very grateful for this ongoing support.

Dear Residents,
As I write this, your library is hosting the CSH Civic Association with guest speaker Dr. William Spencer, Suffolk County Legislator, there is a meeting of the CSH Lacrosse Club, students are doing assignments, and people of all ages are using the computers and borrowing material. We see every day that the library means different things to each of you. For some, it’s a quiet refuge from a hectic day; for others, it’s a gathering place to listen, learn, and linger.

On April 9 we held our annual Budget Vote and Trustee Election. Once again, your votes of support tell us we are providing the services you expect. Your confidence in our ability to assist you and your children means so much. I also must thank Trustee Sandra Capek-O’Grady for once again procuring funds from BNY Mellon Wealth Management to fund all the programs on Election Day.

We recently launched our first user survey. Please go to www.cshlibrary.org and complete this very brief survey, so that as we plan our shared tomorrow, it is with the wisdom of knowing we are offering the programs and services you value. The survey will be open until June 30, and one participant who provides an email address will win an eReader purchased by the CSH Library Friends Foundation. If you prefer to take the survey on paper, copies are available at the Circulation Desk, along with a dropbox to preserve anonymity.

This season there will be many reasons to visit the library. I hope to catch you reading very soon!

Dear Residents,
Except for the flu, which has gripped so many this season, winter has been kind to our neighborhood (Update: Mother nature had other plans for us. Blizzard Nemo landed on us after this letter was written). Attendance at our morning and evening exercise programs is strong; please look for the next sessions to begin soon, and take advantage of these very cost-effective programs. Our book discussions are led by experienced librarians and are an excellent way to find the next great book while making new friends. Storytimes and playtimes for preschoolers, including many special craft programs, are always popular. On March 19, grades 5-8 will be making wind chimes from flower pots. Preregistration is mandatory, and may be done through the library’s online events calendar, or by telephone. See page 4 of the newsletter for details.

Use of your library by students after school continues to increase. We are so pleased that Bus G leaves the high school each afternoon and stops at the library. A few weeks ago, the CSH School District launched a new 21st Century tool known as the CSH Virtual Desktop. This “in the cloud” program enables students and faculty to access resources and assignments via the Internet from any connected device. We installed an icon on the desktops of all computers in the library, making it convenient for students who gather here after school to continue their assignments.

Great news for eBook lovers! Our eBook and downloadable audiobook programs are improving, with additional titles in multiple formats, and no waitlist for many of our audiobooks. Stop by the library for hands-on instruction, or visit our website and click on Download eBooks, Video, Music, & Audiobooks. As of January, over 600,000 titles have been downloaded by members throughout Suffolk County. Learn how today!

The annual Budget Vote & Trustee Election will be held at the library on Tuesday, April 9. Events for all ages are planned, including a very special visit by students in our Science Research Program. The student scientists will be in the library to tell us about their discoveries after school.

Dear Residents,
Welcome to 2013! Some people fear the number 13, while others consider it lucky. Personally, 13 has been a lucky number in my life, and therefore I approach this New Year with a sense of excitement about the future.

For many, Hurricane Sandy was very unlucky; in fact, devastating. In our community, there was loss, but also a renewed sense of cooperation, generosity, and support. Your librarians welcomed over 1,000 residents in the days after the storm. You came clutching your devices, seeking power, light, warmth, and information. You filled all the nooks and crannies, met your neighbors, swapped stories, and many of you rediscovered what a terrific resource your library truly is for all ages. Despite personal hardships at home, your library employees were back to work as soon as the power was restored in Cold Spring Harbor. Their professional commitment to service makes me very proud.

It’s time again to analyze the past, and prepare for the next budget, fiscal year 2013-2014. During this time of fiscal constraint, and with a mandated Tax Cap in NYS, we may wish we had a crystal ball to see into our future. Some things are very clear. You want choices, you want expertise, you want space, and you want cooperation. Gone are the days of buying multiple copies of a hardcover book; we now purchase multiple formats, including print, audiobooks, and eBooks. The librarians are always learning about new resources to fulfill your information needs, and now those sources are more likely to be software apps for your smartphone. Who takes a Fodor’s Guide to Europe in their carry-on bag or a street map of Paris? Now, we look online for sources, and hope the information is accurate and trustworthy. You can rely upon your librarians to guide you to the best online information.

Demand for meeting space for study groups, book clubs, committees, and organization meetings continues to increase. The calendar on our website is filled with these varied uses, and a copy of the application to reserve a room is also available online. Perhaps most important to meeting your needs in these tough economic times is cooperation between your library and other educational organizations. These partnerships enable us to bring you excellent educational opportunities and entertaining events at modest expense. So, what can you expect to see in 2013? More of what you really want: programs and services for all ages, offered by a kind and knowledgeable staff. Even without a crystal ball, this is very clear!

During any storm this winter season, you may wonder whether your library is open. Information about emergency closings due to weather will be posted on our website, www.cshlibrary.org, and at News 12, WALK, and WBLI radio. I also update the answering machine with any changes in the library’s hours of operation (unless we have no power in Cold Spring Harbor).

What about your plans for the future? If those plans include a career change or a return to work, then please plan to attend one or more of the Career Workshops in February. If those plans include college, there will be two college preparatory sessions in January for students and their parents.