Seaford Library to expand programs

Residents of the Seaford Library District will vote next month on a spending plan that, if approved, would boost spending for programs and electronic books. Last week the library Board of Trustees adopted its proposed $2.16 million budget.

Spending will decrease by about $56,000 next year. The tax levy will increase 1.63 percent to just over $2 million. That is within the library’s tax cap. The average homeowner is expected to see their library tax bill rise by $5.21 next year.

Library Director Frank McKenna said that more money would be set aside for programs for children, teens and adults. He said that this will include a mix of both library-run programs and outside presenters.

He said that the library is particularly looking to increase its offerings for teens. McKenna noted the recent creation of the Teen Advisory Group, in which middle- and high-school students are contributing their ideas for new programs and reading materials. Funding will be added to support those initiatives.

McKenna also pointed to the demand from patrons for more eBooks. The library, in partnership with Nassau Digital Doorway, will be purchasing more books that patrons can download to their tablets. “That’s very popular,” he said.

The library is looking to expand its museum pass program, which offers patrons a chance to visit local cultural and educational facilities for free such as the Cradle of Aviation Museum and Old Westbury Gardens.

Money would also be set aside for some capital improvements, including the planned renovations of the bathrooms on the main floor and lower level.

Library Board President Peter Ruffner said that trustees have combined to put in about 100 hours of budget planning, with goals of continuing the library’s “excellent services and programs” and staying within the tax cap.

“The Board is very pleased with the budget it produced for the resident and commercial taxpayers in Seaford,” Ruffner said. “In addition, we are also extremely proud of our staff. Our children’s programs, our evolving and expanding teen services, the summer reading program, the summer concert series, our book review discussion groups, the winter adult reading program, our online services and the speakers and craft events are among the best on Long Island.”

The seat of Margaret Grub, who was appointed to the Board of Trustees in January, is up for election. She will be running for a full five-year term.

The budget hearing will be held on Monday, April 11 at 7 p.m. in the Valentine Meehan Meeting room. Voter registration takes place the following day from 5 to 9 p.m. for the budget and trustee vote, which is scheduled for 1 to 9 p.m. on Wednesday, April 20.