Library opposes fee hike.
This was the headline in the Feb. 18, 2011 issue. They complain like an ordinary homeowner. If we divide the projected renovation of Main cost of $22,000,000 amongst the 27,600 resident cardholders that comes to about $800. each. If there are two cardholders in the household that is about $1,600. This in addition to their share of the $8 million yearly budget.
If there is a bond issue and all the residents are taxed then there is a different channel. A $22,000,000 project (X) times, at a good rate of 3.25%, comes to $715,000 per year. This times 20 years equals $14,300,000 interest over the life of the bonds in addition to the $22,000,000 cost. Divide the $36 million by the number of adult Great Neck cardholders comes to about $1,300 each.
A recent ad for an Amazon Kindle showed that it could be purchased for under $200 (Staples). This number times 2.600 patrons would come to $5,340,000. Lots of shelves would be eliminated, lots of trees saved, and lots of trips to the library (no parking needed) eliminated. No more books to buy!
Borders went bankrupt last week. Most of the books sold go to libraries or as gifts. I watched for 20 minutes at B&N.
Breakfast bagels are served certain mornings at the Main library. Call about joining the staff.
Norman Roland
Great Neck
