Editorial

Approve Island Park library budget

Posted

The Island Park Public Library, rebuilt after Hurricane Sandy, continues to move forward. Adult programs have been expanded, a new tradition showcasing storytellers by the library’s fireplace was begun, and a new and improved website was rolled out. The library continues to offer programming aligned with the curriculum of the Island Park school district, including early-literacy classes, STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and math) programs for teens and tweens, and the Summer Reading Program, which helps children retain what they’ve learned.

This year’s proposed budget of $1,307,561 is nearly $55,000 smaller than the current spending plan. Due to depleted reserves, the library has raised its tax levy request by just over $101,000, to $1,283,161. State-mandated pension fund costs have increased a great deal over the past few years. The library used its reserves to meet those costs and to help with the rebuilding after Sandy instead of raising taxes and burdening the taxpayer, but now the reserves are in need of replenishment.

Voter should approve the library’s spending plan.

Re-elect Trustee Pontecorvo

Joseph Pontecorvo is running unopposed for a fourth term on the library board of trustees. He is experienced and knowledgeable when it comes to library operations, including programming, information systems and marketing. He worked extensively on the rebuilding. Library Director Jessica Koenig said she calls Pontecorvo, who serves on the Long Island Library Resources Council’s Legislative Committee, first when there are problems with the physical plant.

During the 15 years he has been a trustee, the circulation of library materials has doubled and the number of programs has increased by close to 50 percent. Pontecorvo was instrumental in persuading community groups to use the library for their meetings.

Despite the lack of a challenger, he deserves residents’ votes.