By JEFF LIPTON
The library is proposing a budget of $3.1 million, said library director George Trepp, who added that taxes will rise 5.2 percent if it is approved by voters on Tuesday, May 20. The average homeowner will pay an estimated $188.50 a year, which is a $7 increase, Trepp said.
The 4.6 percent budget increase is being driven by a few factors, including rent for a new branch on the West End, the library director said. Library officials recently signed a lease at its new location, at 810 West Beech St., which will account for 1 percent of the budget hike. The new branch will probably open around September.
The satellite branch at 868 West Beech St., which was in operation for more than 30 years, was closed last June when constant leaking caused mold infestation, Trepp said.
The library will also be responsible for insurance, such as liability, property and flood, which was in the past picked up by the school district. The cost of insurance is responsible for another 1 percent increase in the budget.
"Our history shows that our budgets have been passed, and we're very grateful to the Long Beach community for that," said Trepp, who added that he hopes the community will keep up its support of the library in the May 20 vote.
Last year's budget increase was 5.7 percent and it passed by a comfortable margin, said Trepp.
He said as the economy has worsened, the library has become a better value by offering unique services like free museum passes. He said the library also has allowed patrons to download books on tape onto MP3 players and CDs. The library's databases are available 365 days a year and DVD rentals are free of charge.
One of the new programs Trepp hopes to bring to the library is college courses by hooking up with Nassau Community College to send professors to the library to teach these courses.
"We're hoping for this," he said. "If they're willing, we're willing."
In addition, the library offers free music festivals such as a Cabaret Festival and a Jazz Festival, a four-day event which is set for Sept. 4-7.
Salaries for library employees will rise 3.6 percent, according to the budget proposal.
In the seat for library trustee, Paula Freund of Lido Beach said she is running for re-election to a fourth term. According to the district clerk, no other applications have been filed as of press time. The deadline for filing was Wednesday, April 30 at 5 p.m.
"I think there are still great things to be done," said Freund about why she is running for another five-year term. "The library is an exciting part of our community, and I'm delighted to be able to come back and do something for it."
Comments about this story? Jlipton@liherald.com or (516) 569-4000 ext. 210.
