When was the Computer Resource Center built and who was it intended to serve?

The Computer Resource Center opened to the public in October 2006. It was conceived by the previous Director and Board of Trustees as a way to assist Hicksville Residents who might not be able to afford a computer and Internet access. At that time the cost of owning a computer and having access to the Internet was much more prohibitive then it is today. The CRC was intended to also relieve congestion in the public meeting space at the main library.

How was the CRC's construction funded?

There was NO BOND issued to build the CRC. The careful management and investment of capital reserves allowed the CRC to be built with no additional taxation to the residents.

Why has the Board of Trustees agreed to sell the Computer Resource Center (CRC)?

Lack of usage is the primary reason that the Board of Trustees has considered selling the CRC. The usage at the CRC by Hicksville School district residents has averaged 8 or 9 residents per day (using the 15 computers) since the building's opening. (This figure represents patrons who logged onto the hardwired computers. Patrons using the wireless Internet access have not been counted.) With lack of usage came the concern of the cost to staff and maintain an underutilized facility.

What attempts were made to increase the usage of the CRC?

Programs, classes and services were incorporated into the CRC's daily schedule. Community groups were offered the use of the CRC's meeting space. Even with this additional exposure, the usage continues to lag behind expected numbers.

When did the Board of Trustees decide to sell the CRC?

Much analysis and discussion has been devoted to this topic over the past year and a half. The Board is comprised of tax payers just like you, and are stewards of your tax dollars and are required to utilize them in the most prudent manner possible. It is for this reason that they have decided to sell the CRC in order to renovate and possibly expand the main library building. By selling the underutilized CRC the proceeds will allow the Board to modernize and possibly expand the space in the main library.

Are you concerned that in these difficult economic times the CRC will not be sold?

Commercial real estate has not been as adversely affected by the economic recession as has residential real estate. We are optimistic that the CRC will sell for a fair price and could possibly be put back on the tax roles if a commercial entity were to purchase it.

What will happen to the CRC until a buyer is found?

The CRC will remain open and continue to offer all the programs and services that it currently offers. The Library Director and her staff will continue to look for ways to use the building to the fullest.

What will happen to the computers and furnishing once the CRC is closed?

We will look into incorporating the computers presently at the CRC into the main library network as space permits. By selling the underutilized CRC the proceeds will allow the Board to modernize and possibly expand the space in the main library.

With the closure of the CRC will there be a long wait for a computer in the main Library?

Currently, there are computers available for public usage at the main library. New policies have been implemented to insure availability to Hicksville residents. We can and do restrict the number of computers used by non-Hicksville residents under the requirements of NYS Regulation 90.3. In both the main library and the CRC this restriction is placed at 1 computer per facility. Unfortunately we cannot require that non-residents pay to use that 1 computer since we receive some NYS funding. (Regulation 90.3).

Are the public welcomed at Library Board Meetings?

We welcome public attendance at our monthly library board meeting (held on the third Wednesday of each month) at 7 p.m. in the main library. The Board of Trustees is committed to providing you, the taxpayers who fund this library, the best library service available at the most cost-effective price. To this end, we have decreased your library tax two years in a row. Both last year's budget as well as the proposed 2009-2010 budget saw no increase in library taxes. We welcome your comments and ask for your support as we go through the process of selling the CRC and plan for the future of the Hicksville Public Library.