Libraries are the backbone of a community. They are truly our hidden treasure. And – We must all support their funding and expansion needs.
On Tuesday, August 9, 2016 an important bond vote will be held at the Liberty Public Library. Voting begins at 10 AM and ends at 8 PM, and I am urging everyone to participate and support this important vote.
Like all libraries, The Liberty Public Library is an unassuming hub of activity.
Vital to the pulse of the Town of Liberty, the library serves upwards of 200 people on any given day.
Liberty advocate Nancy Levine told me that “It might surprise you to know that each year over 50,000 items are borrowed from the library, including books, DVDs, books on cd and magazines. In addition – approximately 3,300 people of all ages attend programs.”
The existing structure was built over 50 years ago, and although historic it is outdated. The tri-level layout, including its single stall lavatory is, for all intents and purposes, largely off limits to those with mobility challenges.
According to Library Director, Marjorie Linko, “The building has never met with ADA standards and over the years, between the many and varied programs, collections and technological advances that the library has added; we have simply outgrown our existing space.”
On August 9, 2016, with the approval of the State Historic Preservation Office and also the Liberty Central School’s and Liberty Public Library’s Board of Trustees the Liberty Public Library will be asking voters to approve a bond referendum to cover the cost of an addition and upgrades to address all of the spatial, structural and accessibility issues that currently exist.
Passage of this referendum will allow the library to add dedicated space for additional and simultaneous programming, offer private space for tutoring and meetings, install an elevator and handicap-accessible bathrooms and increase space to meet the demands of the library’s growing technology, print and media collections.
When asked about the types of programs the library offers, the director didn’t know where to begin. “One of our most popular programs”, according to Linko, “Is our afterschool Bookworm Club which we have expanded to four days a week, in order to accommodate all of the children who wish to attend. Another important program that we offer is our High School Equivalency study group which is run at the Library in partnership with the Sullivan County Adult BOCES. Our monthly Senior Coffee Club and seasonal Baby & Me story times are some examples of how we really do serve all ages.”
When told about the possible addition, Aleschia Fitzgerald, a long time library user said, “With 5 children in my family, we use the library all the time, especially after school and in the summer. We rely on the library for Internet access, and all the library’s programs. This summer my youngest child has already earned prizes for reading over 65 books as part of the Library’s Summer Reading Program. Having the extra program room and more computers would be wonderful!”
The public is invited to an informational session at the Library on Tuesday August 2nd at 6:30 pm. The session will be presented by the Library’s architectural firm, Butler Rowland and Mays, LLP. More details are also available at the Library’s website: www.libertypubliclibrary.org.
Levine told me, “We have an opportunity to make something great even greater. So vote YES!”
Library Trustee and Building Committee Chair, Kathy Sauchuk, summed it up when she said, “It’s a no brainer. We already know the library is essential to our town; the statistics speak for themselves. In today’s politically correct climate, it is inexcusable to have a building with accessibility issues and for the price of lunch with a friend, the Liberty Public Library can remedy that situation!”
Once again – The bond election will be held at the Liberty Public Library on Tuesday, August 9, 2016. Voting begins at 10 AM and ends at 8 PM.
Bill Liblick has made a name for himself on National TV Talk Shows where he spouted his outspoken views from the front row. Now he offers you his opinion every week in the “MOUTH THAT ROARS” Column in THE SULLIVAN COUNTY POST.