Levittown Library to expand technology

Patrons of the Levittown Public Library will head to the polls on May 17 to vote on a $7.5 million budget that would maintain all programs and services.

If adopted, the proposed spending plan for the 2016-17 fiscal year would go into effect on July 1 and have a $7.3 million tax levy. This decreases tax collections by .39 percent, or $28,388, keeping it below the library district’s tax cap.

Trina Reed, director of the Levittown Public Library, said that there are many new initiatives in the budget including the expansion of technology and programs offered in the Innovation Station. 

The Innovation Station was established two years ago to further creative learning and technological experiences for library patrons. The space allows for opportunities to design projects, collaborate with others and gain practical experience with new forms of technology. People of all ages can engage in STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics) projects that they may not have access to elsewhere.

Reed added that they are also planning a new quiet study area. “The current quiet study area is located next to our children’s story toy room and we have received numerous complaints, telling us that our quiet study area is not so quiet,” she said. The new quiet study room will be located in the adult reference area, with the current quiet study area turned into an eatery. “The eatery will give people a place to eat refreshments while reading a newspaper, magazine or an electronic device,” Reed said. “Parents will be able to give their children a snack without being told they can’t have food in the library.”

Also on the ballot will be the election for one seat on the library board. Trustee Rich Santer is running unopposed for a five-year term.

Levittown residents are eligible to vote if they are registered for school district elections or the general elections. For information on absentee ballots, contact the District Clerk at the Levittown Memorial Education Center at (516) 520-8300, ext. 608. Registration to vote is ongoing at the office of the District Clerk of the Levittown School District, between 8 a.m. and 1 p.m. on school days, and the deadline is May 12.

“The Library Board of Trustees and I work together to provide our school district residents with a fair and realistic budget, to sustain the program and services we offer, and allow the library to grow with the changing needs of our community,” Reed said.