By LARRY MAIER
Because the Baldwin Public Library is a school-district library, the bond will be put up by the Baldwin Union Free School District. According to estimates supplied by the library board, a 20-year bond issued at current interest rates will cost the average Baldwin homeowner $38.19 a year.
Specific design and architectural plans for the addition have been the subject of public-input meetings since June. The board of trustees and community members have met numerous times in the past eight months to draft and polish plans for the expansion project.
The proposed expansion will add 18,000 square feet of space to the current library. There will be 50-percent more shelf space and seating, as well as additional restrooms. Also, there will be a brand new 180-seat community room, which can be divided into two smaller rooms. A new children's story-hour theatre, new picture- book reading area, and new teen area are also in the works.
A formal public hearing will be at the Baldwin Public Library at 8 p.m. Jan. 11. At this time, residents will have the opportunity to view expansion plans and ask questions about the project before the Jan. 17 vote.
Who is eligible to vote?
You are eligible to vote on the library bond issue if you are a U.S. citizen at least 18 years of age and have been a district resident for at least 30 days prior to the vote.
You may vote if you have registered or voted in the school district within the past four years, or are registered with the Nassau County Board of Elections.
The vote will be from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. at the Baldwin Public Library, 2385 Grand Avenue.
For further information about registration, or for absentee ballot applications, call the school district clerk's office at (516) 377-9282.
