Levittown library boosting technology

An expansion of technology at the Levittown Public Library is a major initiative in its proposed 2015-16 budget, which will be on ballot along with the school budget vote on May 19.

The library, which serves patrons in North Wantagh and portions of northern Seaford, has put forth a $7.5 million spending plan, an increase of about $119,000, or 1.61 percent, over the current year.

The tax levy would rise by 1.62 percent to $7.37 million, and that meets the tax cap. The average homeowner would see a total library tax bill of $428, roughly a $7 increase.

In October, the library unveiled its new Innovation Station, an initiative that will continue and expand. It is a community center that offers a variety of technology including a 3-D printer, iMacs, scanner, sewing and embroidery machines, button maker and more.

Trina Reed, director of the library, said the Innovation Station was the brainchild of her predecessor, along with the staff. She said patrons have welcomed the addition of the new technology to the library.

“The public is coming in, they’re using the Innovation Station,” she said. “They’re using their own creativity as well as learning from each other.”

Reed added that people of all ages are utilizing the facility, and for many different purposes. The sewing and embroidery machines are in particular high demand, she said, and the library will add more of those.

In addition to adding more equipment, the budget would including funding for programs and workshops for residents to learn about the different machines.

The library will also be adding a credit card machine at the circulation desk to provide patrons with another way of paying fines. “We have people coming in who want to quickly take care of business,” Reed said. “We’re just trying to make it convenient for them.”

An outreach specialist librarian, who is fluent in English and Spanish, was recently added to the staff. The goal of this position is to ensure that the library is inclusive for all users.

Other initiatives include the expansion of literacy and GED-preparation services, and the purchase of assistive reading devices for disable patrons.

Salaries, the biggest portion of the budget, would rise by about $78,000 to $4 million, while benefits would increase by $25,500 to $2.13 million.

Funding levels would remain the same for books and periodicals. The allocations for electronic resources and programs would go up, while funds for DVDs would go down.

While not all patrons have a Levittown address, Reed stressed that cardholders in Wantagh and Seaford are just as much a part of the library, and she encourages them to take advantage of all the library has to offer.

Reed said that she is proud to offer the public a spending plan that maintains and enhances services for a reasonable price. “I think it’s a very fair budget,” she said. “We take the tax cap seriously. We offered a realistic budget to our public.”

Residents will also vote for a library trustee. Incumbent Susan Maher is running unopposed for a five-year term.