Library looks to upgrade, expand technology

Nearly 250,000 items were checked out of Baldwin Public Library over the last year while roughly 22,000 people attended the more than 1,000 programs offered. Over the next year, the library board and staff are looking to maintain and expand those numbers and its 2015-16 budget funds it all (with help from grants).

The proposed budget, which the five-member library board adopted in February, is an increase of $65,000, or 1.56 percent, over the current spending plan. The tax levy rises comparatively, 1.69 percent, which is the library’s maximum allowable increase.
BPL Director Elizabeth Olesh noted that the budget allots $130,000 to replace the windows in the building’s main reading room. She said the windows date back to the 1960s and are in need of repair, adding that the project will take a few years to fund and will be done over time.

The library would also upgrade its radio frequency identification system (RDIF), which handles the security and collection systems. The new system would give patrons the option to self-check out and pay fines and fees with their credit cards.

While the upgrades would cost $120,000, Olesh said, the library would save money in the long run because the system is cheaper to maintain. The security tags it uses, which are placed in books and other items to prevent theft, are less expensive, she added.

The budget calls for $6,350 more to be spent on ebooks, and, Olesh said, the library is looking to purchase downloadable copies of many of the summer reading books for high school and middle school students.

The frequency of programs would also be maintained, she added, which is something she’s proud of. “Our mission is to be an educational, cultural and recreational institution to serve people of all ages who live in the community,” Olesh said. “Our programming is meant to support our larger mission.”

Residents will also vote on the open Library Board of Trustees seat. Trustee Kerry Schwenker is seeking re-election and is running unopposed.

Community members can cast their votes, just like their school board and budget votes, on Tuesday, from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. at Baldwin High School.

Library app
The Baldwin Public Library now has an app available for Apple users (the same will be true for Android users soon). Search “Nassau Public Libraries Mobile” in the Apple App Store to download the app.

With the app, patrons can browse the library catalog and see upcoming events and programs. The mobile device can also double as a library card if patrons plug their library card number into the app. Residents could checkout books or other materials by simply having their mobile device scanned at the checkout counter.