By Lauralyn Avallone
Library board to request stop signs and help from county and town
Safety measures are being considered to help assuage neighborhood concerns over the proposed reopening of the Prospect Street entrance to the Baldwin Public Library. Library Board President Kevin Kamen told residents at the August 21 expansion meeting that he will request help from the town and county to ensure that the high-traffic corner is made safe for patrons.
Residents had questioned the decision to reopen the door during the July expansion meeting and Mr. Kamen said the board and administration worked to come up with possible solutions to the problems. The project's architect, Raymond Beeler, feels that it is important to make the library accessible from many different directions.
The library will request two stop signs, a children's crossing sign, a curb along Prospect Street and that area walkways be painted white.
In addition, the library board plans to install lighting fixtures on the building so the area will be continually lit, improving visibility.
If a bond is passed after the projected early winter vote, the library will be undergoing a $5 million dollar make-over. However, low turnout at the August meeting propelled the board and the Chairman of the expansion committees, Dr. Tom Ryley, to call on the community to help spread the word and cast their ballots.
"Unfortunately, elections in Baldwin are usually non-events. Hopefully, this one won't be and people will get out and vote," said Dr. Ryley.
Library Director Barbara Hopkins said that at least 50 letters were sent out to local organizations with the hope that they will take an interest in the library expansion. Dr. Ryley and Ms. Hopkins urged residents to inform everyone they know about the expansion, including churches and temples.
Mr. Kamen said, "There are people that still don't know about the expansion project. We are asking you to educate the community and tell them the facts."
The facts, according to Mr. Kamen, are the library needs more space and the timing is right for an expansion due to the stable economy. He also mentioned how input from residents at the meetings has had an impact on the plans. "This project is better because of you," he said.
Secretary Anthony Tarantino said, "We've incorporated all suggestions except two or three. The public is really building this expansion."
The architect has kept busy updating blueprints with ideas spurred by locals. The latest innovations include moving the kitchenette from next to the librarian to a more convenient location adjacent to the community room and sliding pivot glass panels at the back of that same room that open out to the landscaped walkway.
Ms. Hopkins' office will have a glass wall to improve her accessibility to the public.
Following concerns about the necessity of computers in today's technologically advancing age, the computer room was relocated to the second floor between adult fiction and the microfilm room so future expansion is possible, said Mr. Beeler.
In order to benefit seniors, the adult large print has been moved to a location with a senior connection (reference) desk nearby. An open space approximately 97x52 feet will be left free for future use, which may include museum exhibits. An area of the space has been designated for a Baldwin History Collection, which will feature out-of-print books, newspapers and microfilm that chronicles the history of Baldwin, the library and Long Island, said Ms. Hopkins.
Plans also feature trees and stone slates that align the building.
Mr. Kamen said he has met with as many as 50 residents discussing their concerns and suggestions for the expansion. Anyone interested in meeting with Mr. Kamen should contact Ms. Hopkins at the library to set up an appointment.
Some Baldwin dwellers may be wondering why they should take time to vote on something that may not have a direct effect on their lives. To this, Mr. Kamen said, "This affects the value of everyone's home and the value of the community," said Mr. Kamen. "the library is a cultural center. There is something for everyone to utilize from computers to homework and helping pre -school children learn to read. The library is the heart of the community and people should take an interest in it because we have a lot to offer."
"The library is the one place in the community that serves all age levels. It's paid for by the taxpayers and it would be wonderful if as many people as possible come to look at the plans and send their comments to the Board," said Ms. Hopkins.
The next meeting is scheduled for September 19, when committees will voice their suggestions. This meeting is open to the public.
