By MIKE CAPUTO
A $7 million cut to the New York State Council on the Arts has had a adverse effect on the East Meadow facility. Schanzer, the director of public relations, explained that appearances by acclaimed performers like David Gonzalez, a popular storyteller who will hold forth at the library on Sunday, were funded mainly with money from the council. Until alternative financing is found, officials said, the headline names from Broadway and Carnegie Hall are not expected to appear in the library's popular Sunday Concert Series anytime soon.
"It really hurt our programming," Schanzer said of the funding cuts.
But with the help of staff, volunteers and improvisation, the library devised a March schedule that included its usual, if not expanded, level of activities and programs. One of those staff members is Kelly Gordon, who recently launched a program focused on anime, a popular form of Japanese animation. Gordon has led workshops on anime art and hosted film viewings and discussions.
Mark Brier, an East Meadow comedian who has done monthly shows at the library for the past five years, is also pitching in by stepping up his performance schedule. Brier's comedy show, "Laughs at the Library," is intended for all ages, and he is accustomed to performing for children and senior citizens alike.
Brier said he takes an interactive approach, and allows audience members to make their own jokes. He noted that he enjoys brightening people's days, especially in difficult times. "The most rewarding thing in the world was after one show, a woman told me she laughed for the first time since her husband passed away," Brier said.
In addition to being known for scheduling world-renowned entertainers, the East Meadow library is also a hub for local talent, like Brier, and fellow comedian Charlie Smith of Uniondale. Library officials plan to continue their shows, as well as the weekly film series and services such as a job-search workshop that was scheduled for Thursday and a job fair on March 26.
"We want to make this multipurpose," said Carol Probeyahn, the library's director. "It's not just about books."
But when it comes to books, the facility is a central branch for the county and has a broad base of reference and literary materials for patrons to borrow. In addition to a wide selection of DVD and VHS movies, the library also offers access to a variety of online databases and downloadable audio books. It hosts several regular book discussions, current-events lectures, forums for writers and an array of youth and teen programs.
The library serves an estimated 30,000 card holders in a district of about 50,000 people, Probeyahn said.
Its Board of Trustees has not yet adopted a spending plan for next year, which will be part of the school budget vote on May 19. The current budget totals about $3.5 million.
Despite the squeeze on premium programs, Schanzer is always searching for the next grant to apply for. The library recently scored a grant that was awarded to only 29 other facilities in the country, for a program starting in April that brings the history of America to life through a variety of activities and displays.
Gladys Greene, a longtime patron, regularly attends library programs with her husband, Richard, who is now restricted to a wheelchair and finds the library easily accessible. Gladys explained that they attend all kinds of programs, and are excited to learn about new ideas and concepts.
"For people who love lifelong learning, this is the place to come to," she said.
For a sampling of upcoming events at the library, see the Community Update on page 14 or visit the library's Web site, eastmeadow.info.
Comments about this story? MCaputo@liherald.com or (516) 569-4000 ext. 287.
