By Liz McBreen
The only major increase in the budget is allotted for salaries. Director of the library, Alice Wolfteich explained that the new staff members are needed due to the larger building. "We now have two complete floors to staff.
We used to have only one," said Wolfteich.
At this time, the library hopes to hire one full time reference librarian, and two part-time reference librarians. "We will have to assess our needs during the course of the year," explained Wolfteich.
The other increases will cover the cost of new books, microfilm and CD ROMs to fill the new shelves and custodial expenses.
According to Wolfteich, "we tried to hold the line as much as possible while making this the best library it can be." The projected budget increase comes out to an $11 rise for each home in the town.
After a public hearing on the budget, the board of trustees held their monthly meeting during which they discussed the progress of the ongoing construction on the library.
Wolfteich says the electrical work is continuing, and work on the balcony will begin in two weeks. Once completed, the reference desk will be moved to the balcony and twelve internet stations will be installed. Work on the sidewalks in front of the building will soon be finished as well.
The board and director are also in the process of deciding on an artist who will paint murals in the Children's Room.
In March, bins provided by Long Island Cares were placed in the library to collect food for a drive that was organized by LI Cares and the Girl Scouts. The board received a letter of thanks from Long Island Cares for the library's help in collecting food for their drive. There was about 288 pounds of food collected in the bins that were placed in the building. There was close to 2 tons collected across the area.
The members of the board also approved a request from Edward Hansen of the Boy Scouts to use the new meeting room in the library every second Tuesday for Eagle Scout reviews.
There will also be a Trustee Election on the same evening as the Budget Vote. Reverend Frederick McElderry is running unopposed for reelection to the five-year term as Library Trustee.
