Library News

Wantagh Library budget vote is Tuesday

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More books, more electronic books and the creation of a Family Place Library are among the initiatives being funded in Wantagh’s proposed $2.47 million budget, which is up for a vote next week.

Voters in the Wantagh Library District will head to the polls on Tuesday to decide the fate of the budget, which would raise spending by 1.67 percent. The plan, adopted by the Library Board of Trustees, is slightly below the tax cap and would need only a simple majority to pass. The library tax bill for an average would total about $375 next year.

The library’s major initiative for 2015-16 is to receive the Family Place designation. That would require the creation of more programs for children from birth through 3 years old. Additionally, there would be workshops for parents with professionals such as nutritionists, speech therapists, behavioral specialists and others. Library Director Maggie Marino said the goal would be to run a series of these workshops at least twice a year.

Becoming a Family Place library requires an initial investment of $3,000 to $5,000, to pay for the services of the professionals, and to purchase age-appropriate toys, as well as ongoing financial support in the future.

Children’s librarian Susan Finck said the goal is to make the Wantagh Library a place that offers educational opportunities for children before their school years begin. “I hope it makes us more of a community center,” she said.

The budget includes an additional $5,000 each for new books and new audio books. Another $5,000 is included for databases and online services, as Marino said she is looking to replace the print versions of literary criticism.

Funding for programs would be increased by $6,500. Marino said that she wants to expand the library’s museum pass program for families. Currently, Wantagh offers the free passes to six area museums. There are also plans to add an adult summer reading club.

Money would be included to fund a new security system, and to purchase e-readers with books already loaded on them.

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