Tuesday, June 24, 2025
The Rockville Centre Public Library’s 2025-2026 budget and trustee election will be on the May 20 ballot.
The library has proposed a $4.2 million budget for the upcoming fiscal year, keeping the tax levy increase under New York State’s 2.6 percent cap. For the average homeowner, the proposed increase is $11.97 annually, averaging out to just $1 per month.
The library proposes modest adjustments to collections and materials, reducing spending on books and DVDs while increasing investment in eBooks and audiobooks. The materials budget stands at $101,450.
Operations and maintenance costs are projected to decrease slightly, from $321,100 to $288,300, with notable reductions in electricity and equipment purchases. Administration expenses remain relatively stable at $381,410.
The largest portion of the budget — just over $3.3 million — is allocated to salaries and benefits, ensuring competitive compensation and support for the staff delivering services to the community.
In 2024, the library welcomed over 148,000 visitors, circulated more than 231,000 items, hosted 22,000 program attendees, and provided over 45,000 Wi-Fi sessions and nearly 9,000 public computer uses. Online engagement topped 184,000 webpage views.
Facility improvements this year included a refurbished Main Reading Room, additional study rooms and expanded seating in adult and children’s areas. New services ranged from discounted tickets to local attractions to an expanded Library of Things, upgraded technology in study rooms and new streaming media options.
The library continues to partner with local organizations, including the MLK Jr. Center, Hispanic Brotherhood and local schools, to offer inclusive programming for all ages. This year’s programs included tech help, take-and-make crafts, game meetups and expanded literacy initiatives.
Three candidates are seeking election to two open seats on the library’s Board of Trustees, each bringing unique experience and deep ties to the community.
Meryl Sussman is seeking re-election after serving three years on the board. A former administrator in public higher education across three states, she has experience managing multimillion-dollar budgets and leading staff. Since retiring to Rockville Centre nine years ago, she has contributed to the library’s Facilities and Technology Committees and currently serves as board vice president. Sussman highlights the five-year infrastructure plan and the importance of keeping services current despite physical limitations.
Christine Faraday, a Rockville Centre resident of seven years, is a full professor and reference and instruction librarian at Nassau Community College. She has 16 years of experience in higher education and has chaired the library department. Faraday also serves as the Membership Committee Chair for the New York Library Association and emphasizes her knowledge of budgets, personnel and library advocacy.
Gretchen Browne, a Rockville Centre resident for 47 years, previously served as director of the Rockville Centre and Plainview-Old Bethpage libraries. She began her career as a library trainee in Rockville Centre in 1989 and has held numerous leadership positions. Browne emphasizes her success in securing grants and creating welcoming, customer-focused environments. Under her leadership, the Plainview library earned a five-star Library Journal rating for 10 consecutive years.
The budget and trustee election will take place Tuesday, May 20, from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. at South Side High School.
Full budget details are available at RVCLibrary.org, and the candidate roundtable is available for viewing on the library’s YouTube page.
