LETTER TO OUR COMMUNITY

Dear Plainedge Resident:

We, the Plainedge Library Board of Trustees, are writing you in order to address a number of questions and concerns circulating in our community.  One such question concerns the closing of our library.  The Plainedge Public Library was created over four decades ago with a bond raised by local residents.  Closing the Library and using the newly renovated school libraries as a public library is not feasible; the cost would be astronomical.  Regulations forbid open access to schools during regular school hours.

Let us be very clear . . . You must have a viable public library in this community to be able to borrow material from other public libraries!  Your Plainedge Public Library card is what gives you access to all other libraries in not only this county but in the state. 

The New York State Commissioner of Education has mandated that all New York State residents have local library services.  If a community does not have a home library, it is considered an "unserved area" and must contract for services with a neighboring library.  The Plainedge taxpayer would pay the same amount or more in taxes for library services.

The money designated for the Library cannot be transferred to the school district or be used for school district purposes. This is not legally possible.  By law, tax funds voted on by the community for the support of the Library budget cannot be used for any other purposes.

The legal relationship between a school district and a school district public library can be confusing.  A school district library is a totally separate entity from the school district, with a separate board of trustees, separate staff and a separate operating budget.

Our library is the center of this community.  Many organizations, such as sports groups, cultural groups, local service agencies, senior citizens . . . even our schools, have a vested interest in the vitality of our community library.  Our community library is currently serving thousands of people every month.

We currently fill thousands of requests through the Nassau Library System.  As a member of NLS, we are able to access the collections of the other 53 libraries in Nassau.  NLS also provides us with daily delivery service of materials from other libraries to our library.  Out of the district books may be returned here as well.

Our library is truly a community resource with services for all ages.  the library is a learning center where patrons can turn to for the discovery of ideas, and the pure joy of reading.

As Library Trustees, you have our promise that we will challenge ourselves to be responsive, accessible and accountable to the community.  You are the purpose of our Library and it is our pleasure to serve you.

Sincerely,

The Plainedge Board of Trustees

Lillian Goldner, President

Laura Oden-Bell, Vice President

Nancy Cronan

Edward Dowdell

Ann Doxsey