Public to vote on $3.6M library budget

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Residents will vote on the Long Beach Public Library’s proposed $3.6 million budget as well as two candidates running for an open seat on the board.

The spending plan represents about a $74,000 increase over this year’s budget, which officials mostly attributed to a rise in operational expenses, materials, building maintenance and personnel salaries.

Trustee Diane Parr will not seek re-election this year, library administrators said, and candidates MaryEllen Guarini and Joe Sinnona are running for her seat.

The Long Beach School District Central Council PTA will host a Candidates Forum on May 14 at 6:30 p.m. at Lindell Elementary School, at 601 Lindell Blvd., where community members will have a chance to ask school and library board candidates questions.

Residents will vote on May 21 between 7 a.m. and 9 p.m. for their preferred candidate, and the results will be announced at a school board meeting that night. Polling places include Lindell Elementary School, 601 Lindell Blvd., Long Beach; East Elementary School, 456 Neptune Blvd., Long Beach; Long Beach Middle School, 239 Lido Blvd., Lido Beach; Point Lookout Firehouse, 102 Lido Blvd., Point Lookout; and 225 W. Park Ave., Long Beach.

The election comes at a time of transition at the library. Former Library Director Michael Simon recently retired, and Jennifer Firth is serving as the acting director. Former Library Director George Trepp, now a consultant, is helping the board choose a new director.