Assemblywoman Missy Miller listens to library directors’ concerns

Directors from six South Shore public libraries and the head of the Nassau Library System met with Assemblywoman Missy Miller (R-Atlantic Beach) and discussed several issues at Peninsula Public Library in Lawrence on Feb. 22.

Jackie Thresher, director of the library system in Nassau, addressed Miller on the Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s proposed budget and the impact of possible cuts to library aid. According to state education law, library money is expected to be $102 million in the fiscal plan.

Funding has been down since 2007, and this has resulted in a 25 percent decline in the money library systems receive, Thresher said, adding that local libraries are affected as many services are provided by the library system.

These include training and administrative support. All of the networking and automated library system catalog and inter-library loan and delivery are operated through the library system. It also provides coordinated orders for databases, the Nassau Digital Doorway (Overdrive and audio books) and other coordinated subscriptions for Zinio (online magazines and Tutor.com).

Miller also heard about the directors problems with not having enough parking stalls, space for individual study groups and the tax cap.

March 1 is Library Advocacy Day in Albany, and two buses of supporters went to the state capital and meet with their legislators.