Local
Libraries - Consolidation or Local Control?
County
Executive Suozzi has proposed he can achieve substantial savings
through the consolidation of all Nassau County Public Libraries
into a single County library with a Board appointed by him. At the
same time Mr. Suozzi acknowledges that since the total expenditure
for libraries amounted to only 1.65% of the $9 billion expended
in Nassau for tax-supported services, any savings which might result
from library consolidation would do little to alleviate the property
tax burden. What does this mean?
- Your
local library would no longer exist as an autonomous, community
oriented entity run by volunteer Trustees elected by you and neighbors.
- Taxes
collected for library support would go into the County's General
Fund for disbursement as the County sees fit, not necessarily
going to libraries.
- Although
Mr. Suozzi has said that no buildings would be closed, no services
reduced, and no staff eliminated, except by attrition, it is not
yet clear how this would be accomplished, or how net savings to
the taxpayer would result.
While
54 independent public libraries in Nassau County are locally controlled,
they already share services in an effort to control costs, including:
- Countywide
interlibrary borrowing of books and audiovisual materials.
- Use
of a shared automated catalog that allows a patron to view and
reserve the holdings of all libraries in the county.
- Cooperative
purchasing of online databases, as well as other materials.
- Participation
in the L.I. Banking Consortium, allowing for better rates of interest
and services.
The
residents of Baldwin have a long history of supporting the Baldwin
Public Library, the hub for cultural, educational and recreational
activities in the Baldwin community. Popular library programs such
as the Baldwin Library Day, the Fall Harvest Festival, and the new
Volunteer Fair help to bring the community together in a celebration
of what makes the Baldwin community unique. Services such as the
elementary and young adult Homework Centers, Job Counseling, the
Mothers' Center, computer courses, book discussions and a variety
of other educational and recreational programs demonstrates the
Library's ongoing support of the community's ever changing needs.
The Baldwin residents recognize the high value of their library
as shown by their support of the Library's budget each year. Your
support is needed now more than ever. Let your local Legislators
know that you want to keep control of your local library local.
Your
local Legislators:
Senator
Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr.
5550 Merrick Road, Suite 205
Massapequa, NY 11758-6238
516-882-0630
fuschill@senate.state.ny.us
Senator
Dean G. Skelos
Deputy Majority Leader
55 Front Street
Rockville Centre, NY 11570
516-766-8383
skelos@senate.state.ny.us
Assemblyman
Robert Barra
534 Merrick Road
Lynbrook, NY 11563
516-561-8216
barrar@assembly.state.ny.us
Councilman
Anthony J. Santino
Hempstead Town Hall
One Washington Street
Hempstead, NY 11550
516-489-5000
asantino@hotmail.com
Honorable
Joseph Scannell
Nassau County Legislature
1 West Street
Mineola, NY 11501
516-571-6204
jscannell@nassaucounty.gov
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