Dear Dr. Roland,
Thank you for your letters in which you have shared your concerns regarding our system-wide facilities (Sept. 6 Great Neck News).
The consistent issues you raised appear to be branch usage and computer accessibility.
Please understand that the Great Neck Library Board of Trustees reviews complete usage statistics as they are presented at the regular monthly meetings of the board of trustees.
The usage statistics are compiled by our skilled computer department and we rely on them to be complete and concise.
In regard to computer usage, that is currently being addressed by our branch and relocation committees, including the assessment of current policies regarding non-residents’ use of our facilities, including computers, at the three branches. Of course, Great Neck Library taxpayers should get the maximum benefit of our wonderful library.
I understand you believe our sole focus is the main building. However, as you may be aware, the main building is the only property that Great Neck Library taxpayers actually own – the branch locations are rentals.
Moreover, the Great Neck Library Board of Trustees allocates enormous financial resources to operate its branches.
The annual costs associated with rent and salary alone is close to $1,210,000.
This number doesn’t include the cost of medical insurance, retirement benefits, materials, programming, hardware, utilities, etc.
It’s clear, Dr. Roland, from this brief analysis, the Great Neck Library is dedicated to operating branch locations and allocates a healthy percentage of its total annual budget to do so.
As always, we appreciate feedback and comments pertaining to the referendum and building program.
The relocation and renovation committees, independent of the referendum, will continue to make recommendations to improve the branches, provide optimal utilization and access of library resources and services.
Marietta DiCamillo, President Great Neck Library Board of Trustees
