Annual Library Budget Vote April 13th

Be sure to stop in at the library on Tuesday, April 13, when our annual Budget Vote will take place in the Adult Department. Voting will be for the proposed 2010-2011 budget, adopted by the Board of Trustees on March 17, and for one trustee who will serve a five year term. Detailed information about the budget is available on the library homepage. If you have any questions, please contact David Clemens, 924-6400, ext. 275, or by e-mail dclemens@suffolk.lib.ny.us.

Solar Project Underway!

Workers have begun removing the old black rubber roof over the Community Rooms and replacing that section with a white thermoplastic roofing. The new insulation is also 3 times as thick as the former material. This will result in further energy efficiency. Next they will install the racks that will be used to mount the 50 photovoltaic panels for our new solar array. Some programs were postponed or cancelled during this construction. We apologize for the inconvenience.

Our 11kw system is expected to save money each month on our electricity bill. In addition, we received a grant of $30,000 as part of the New York State Public Library Construction Aid program. Finally, we are participating in LIPA's Solar Pioneer Program, and expect to receive a rebate of $47,000 once the system is operating.

Listen to the Newsletter

Beginning with the February 2010 issue, the Library newsletter is now available in audio format. A group of teen volunteers along with several of our librarians will record each issue so that anyone with low vision may listen to it instead of reading it. Just click on the "Current Newsletter" link on the left side of the homepage, and choose "Audio Newsletter". The recordings are divided into children's programs, young adult programs, and adult and senior services. You may listen to one section or all if you wish. Please let us know what you think of this new service by contacting Kitty Grinnell, 924-6400, ext. 244 or email kgrinnel@suffolk.lib.ny.us.

Important Message from the Board of Trustees

The Board of Trustees of the Longwood Public Library is pleased to announce that they have purchased the three acre property adjacent to the library on the south side. This acquisition is a significant investment in the future of the library as well as the future of our community. This purchase was made from the Library Building Fund, and will have no impact on taxes.

Whether it is borrowing materials, using public computers, crafting, participating in the summer and winter reading clubs, attending concerts, book discussions and community group meetings, or learning new skills in our computer and instructional classes, residents of the Longwood community continue to use the Library’s many services in record numbers. The library’s circulation is the 4th highest in Suffolk County and attendance at library programs has doubled since 2000. Last year the library was visited by more than 1000 people per day. Over the past twenty years, the size of our community has increased along with the need for additional materials, classes, and programs. In order to meet current demand and provide for the future needs of our community, the Library Board of Trustees has begun to explore options for improving our facilities. Questions and comments are welcome. Please contact David Clemens, the Library Director, at 924-6400, ext. 275, or by e-mail at dclemens@suffolk.lib.ny.us.

Friends Honor Library Staff

The Friends of the Library presented library staff members with years of service pins at the 12th annual Staff Recognition Brunch on November 8th. Awardees l. to r. (back row): Doreen Dombrowski, Susan Wareham, Tracey Moloney, Rebecca Goldstein, Kathleen Kellenberger, Jennifer Dolphy, Dianne Roberts, Rosemary Rossteuscher, Brian Adams, Kimberly Giery, Tracee Ugenti; (front row): Sarina LaTorre, Angelo Masino, Lee Osher.

We Have Videogames!!

The library has a brand-new collection of videogames that can be checked out. Anyone with a young adult or adult library card may borrow one title for 7 days. We have games for the Nintendo Wii, Playstation 2, and Xbox 360 systems. Look for them in the DVD area. You may also reserve games which are checked out and make requests for games you'd like us to purchase. See Mrs. Miller or any librarian if you have any questions.

Library Plans Roof Renovation and Solar Panels

The Library has applied for a grant through the New York State Library Construction Aid program to renovate the roof above the Community Room, and add an 11kw photovoltaic panel system. An invitation to bid appeared in the North Shore Sun and The Long Island Advance.