Adult Program

Oprah Book Club

Love in the Time of Cholera
by Gabriel Garcia Marquez
Leader: John Zaluski
MONDAY, JANUARY 7

7 to 8:30 p.m.
A mesmerizing tale of an enduring love triangle by the Nobel laureate and master of magic realism.

Concert

Kala Maxym, mezzo-soprano
Geoffrey Duce, pianist
SUNDAY, JANUARY 6, 2:30 p.m.
Ms. Maxym has sung major roles with opera companies throughout the U.S. to great acclaim. Scottish pianist Geoffrey Duce who has performed world-wide, has received many international awards.

Library Consolidation

The County Executive has proposed the possibility of consolidating all libraries in Nassau County under a single county system governed by a Board that he would appoint.

There is an online survey about library consolidation on the Merrick Life web site. It is aimed at readers of Merrick Life, Bellmore Life, the Wantagh-Seaford Citizen and the Freeport-Baldwin Leader, but anyone can answer the survey.

I would encourage you to consider responding. (See Merricklife.com and click on “Website Exclusives”)

Following is a more complete description of the situation and the email addresses of your legislators.

Consolidation of Libraries?
Nassau County Executive Suozzi has been in the news a great deal as he explores the possibilities for consolidation of municipal services. This initiative is part of a larger statewide effort which began with the governor’s appointment of the Commission on Local Government Efficiency.
Consultants from PFM (Public Financial Management) are exploring possibilities for consolidation within the county. One of the areas being looked at is public libraries.

What does this mean?
The County Executive is considering the concept of a single countywide library system. He has been quoted as saying that a county library system with one board of trustees appointed by the County would be more accountable, transparent, and efficient than the current system, which includes 54 independently funded and run public libraries. In a consolidated system each independent library would now become a branch library.
Although Mr. Suozzi has said that if such a plan were to be implemented no buildings would be closed, no services reduced, and no staff eliminated except by attrition, it is not clear how this would be accomplished or what, if any, savings the taxpayer might realize.

How does it work now?
While the 54 independent public libraries in Nassau County are locally controlled, they already share many services in an effort to reduce costs. Here are a few examples:

County residents may borrow materials from any library in Nassau County with their home library card.
Borrowers may return books and some other materials at any library in the county.
Library materials are displayed in a shared automated catalog that allows a patron to see the holdings of all libraries in the county, to place reserves, and to renew items. This can also Public libraries cooperatively purchase research databases, online resources and downloadable audiobooks.

If you wish to have more information please contact
Dave Opatow, Director, Freeport Memorial Library 379-3274 or directorfr@nassaulibrary.org

If you wish to let your elected public officials know your feelings you may contact the parties listed below, or you may download a sample letter at www. nassaulibrary.org/freeport/consolidation.htm

Thomas Suozzi
1 West Street, Mineola, NY 11510 571-3131 tom.suozzi@mail.co.nassau.ny.us

Charles Fuschillo, Jr.
30 S. Ocean Ave., Freeport, NY 11520 546-4100 fuschill@senate.state.ny.us

Earlene Hooper
50 Clinton St. #214, Hempstead, NY 11550 486-6610 hoopere@assembly.stat.ny.us


David McDonough
3000 Hempstead Tpke #110, Levittown 731-8830 mcdonod@assembly.state.ny.us


Kevan Abrahams
1 West Street, Mineola, NY 11510 571-6201 kabrahams@nassaucountyny.gov


Joseph Scannell
1 West Street, Mineola, NY 11510 571-6205 Joe.Scannell@mail.co.nassau.ny.us


David Denenberg
1 West Street, Mineola, NY 11510 571-6219 ddenenberg@nassaucountyny.gov