Dear Residents,
February 1, 2012, will mark my 13th anniversary as your Library Director. There have been many changes in our world, country, community, and library. Through this passage of time, there has been one constant: a trust between us. You trust your librarians to provide you access to the very best resources in traditional print or virtual formats. The challenge to serve all age groups during this period of swift technological innovations strains our budget, but your librarians are listening to your needs and working each day to anticipate the next “big” thing.
We have increased the eBooks budget based upon the growing popularity of eReaders. We maintain a free WiFi connection to make the use of iPads, laptops, and other portable devices easy and convenient. We have expanded our programs for preschoolers to teens based upon demand, and continue our cooperative relationship with Cold Spring Harbor School District faculty in order to offer the very best to our students. We offer free homework help through our website, along with access to trustworthy indexes and full-text sources 24/7 so your students can reach for an A+ with convenience and confidence.
Recently, a parent called to ask about our borrowing rules. Specifically, this parent questioned how his child was able to borrow a particular movie from the library. My reply was direct. The library places no restrictions on what a person borrows. The staff of the library cannot act as a parent or guardian. This process complies with the Library Bill of Rights and is a long-standing borrowing procedure at the library.
The July 16, 2011, celebration of the library’s 125th anniversary seems long ago, but the campaign to raise $125,000 for the Building Maintenance Fund continues. To date, contributions exceed $62,000. In the January/February 2012 issue of the newsletter, there is a contribution envelope from the Library Friends Foundation. Please consider a donation to this fund, which will enable the foundation to fulfill its mission to your library.
We continue our relationship with the John W. Engeman Theater at Northport, and have arranged a special performance on Wednesday, March 7, of The Sunshine Boys. We have reserved a limited number of seats for the evening, with a complimentary light dinner, cocktail, and ticket to the show for $75 per person. Pick up a ticket order form at the library.
Finally, some very good news. Many have been concerned about all the construction, which never seemed to end. Just as we took occupancy in August 2006, a serious flaw with the porches was discovered. Working with the library’s architect, and an excellent crew of masons and waterproofers, the issues have been successfully resolved. Be assured, no tax dollars were spent on these necessary repairs.
On Tuesday, April 3, we will conduct our annual Budget Vote and Trustee Election. For details about serving as an elected trustee, please call my office at (631) 692-6820 to schedule an appointment. Petitions for interested candidates will be available at the library beginning Monday, February 6.
Hope to see you soon!