Hewlett-Woodmere library tightens budget, trustee runs unopposed

Though costs everywhere for everything are rising, Hewlett-Woodmere Public Library officials said they are working hard to maintain programs and services in a cost-effective manner.

“We try to keep costs down because of the rising cost of everything else,” Assistant Library Director Catherine Nashak said. “We always appreciate everyone’s support and know we try to keep everything at a minimum because we understand this is hard times.”

The proposed HWPL budget of $6.535 million is an increase of only .37 percent of the current fiscal plan, which is $6.511 million.

The library has more than 13,000 cardholders. Programs and services range from monthly book clubs, children programs, art lecturers, movies every Wednesday and discussion groups.

Along with the budget, eligible voters can cast a ballot for incumbent library board Trustee Ayanna Layne, who is currently serving as the board’s vice president, is running for another five-year term. She is unopposed. A Hewlett resident for more than 20 years, she has served on the board since 2016. The term stretches from July 1 of this year to June 30, 2028.

The library has been an essential part of her life and she hopes to bring that feeling to community members if re-elected.

“We keep it a place and a resource for everyone in our community to partake in and enjoy,” she said.

Book censorship has risen in recent memory, which has led to libraries getting in the mix on what books to display. However, the library continues to be a place for kids to choose what books they’d like to read.

“You have a right to do what you would like to read,” she said. “We just want to make sure that opportunity is available to everyone.”

Layne, a banker professionally, serves on the board because she feels obligated to volunteer for her community.

“I have an obligation to my community for other children,” she said. “To make sure that we have a place for everyone. Not everybody could afford to purchase books on Amazon. The library provides that space, where if you cannot afford to do so, it is here for you.”

If re-elected, she said she would continue making the library a place that includes.

“The library is really just a place where everybody can enjoy a variety of different programs and partake in all the things that a library can offer,” she said. “It’s always been a challenge to make sure that we offer inclusive programs available to everyone.”

Also on the board are Leslie Eisenberg, the current president, Treasurer Ellen Vaknine, Ellen Vaknine, Shari Braverman and Armand Nakkab.

Voting on the Hewlett-Woodmere Public Library budget and trustee and the Hewlett-Woodmere school district budget, trustees and proposition vote election is on May 16 from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., at the Woodmere Education Center, 1 Johnson Place, in Woodmere.