The debate over the bond referendum on Oct. 25 to fund the renovation of the Great Neck Library is far more important than most people realize. Even those who do not utilize the library, or feel (mistakenly, I believe) that there is not much need for libraries anymore, have a huge stake in the outcome of this election.
Yes, we can quarrel over the details of the renovation plan and its cost, and yes, we can question how well the board of trustees functions sometimes, but no one can fail to understand what this project means to the future of our community.
What this debate is really about is how much the community values and supports its public institutions. We all came here for the same reasons: the easy commute and the outstanding schools, parks and library.
Great Neck has always been known for its commitment to learning and culture. School, parks and library budgets have traditionally passed easily and other institutions such as the Great Neck Arts Center enjoyed strong community support.
Therefore, it is hard to understand why, in Great Neck of all places, anyone would question the need to replace a antiquated, obsolete and dilapidated building. The cost per family is modest and a new, modern and technologically state-of-the-art building will vastly improve the services the Library can offer to patrons of all ages. Certainly, if neighboring communities like Port Washington and Manhasset can find the community will to build their spectacular libraries, we can too.
So, why is there any opposition to the referendum? Much of it arises from a small group of residents with personal histories, animosities and agendas that have nothing to do with the project, and should not be allowed to stand in the way of what is best for the community.
And, there are those who think that in these tough economic times that we cannot afford a project like this. The truth is that the difference in cost between a full renovation, including a minor expansion of the building, and an unavoidable, minimally necessary “fix-up” of the existing building, is surprisingly small. This is not a choice between doing the library renovation or doing nothing. There is going to be a major expenditure and we might as well get the biggest, long term benefit that we can for a modest difference in cost.
Most important, however, is the danger of a diminution of public support for our public institutions. We have a rapidly changing community and it is our schools, parks and Library that bind us together as a community.
If we start turning our backs on these incredible assets, and each group retreats to its own institutions, we risk the loss of that community-wide fabric. We want Great Neck to continue to be attractive to families to want live here, and a vote against the library is an indication that maybe this isn’t the place it used to be. A loss will only encourage those who have no interest in supporting our public institutions to think about their next targets, i.e. our schools and parks.
In essence, this is a debate over the values and character of our community. If you want to retain the vibrancy, the sophistication and quality of life that Great Neck has always represented, then you must come out and vote “yes” on the library referendum on Oct. 25.
Steven Markowitz
Great Neck
