I attended an emergency meeting Sunday in New Hyde Park regarding the branches of Lakeville and Parkville, which, fundamentally serve the southern end of the Great Neck Library district and act as their main library. It takes 30 minutes for travel from Parkville to Great Neck Main Branch and library bus service had been discontinued a while ago. At this meeting, it was repeated that the community (comprised of young families and seniors) depends upon the Parkville Branch for studying, browsing and the little programming provided.
Lakeville Branch has been closed since August, alleging a failure of the air-conditioning unit. I attended a meeting on Aug. 24, when the purchase of a new unit was approved–-yet the branch remains closed, nearly two months after board authorization. Why?
At the Sept. 14, 20 board meeting, a discussion took place calling for postponement of the Parkville renovation for six months. The cabling and data were approved; furniture procurement was approved; shelving purchase was approved; moving and storage of books was approved and now some of the trustees want to wait. Why?
This state of affairs, coupled with the recent report of secret meetings and a derailing of longstanding policies of the Great Neck Library, troubles me. As a firm believer in the transparency duly afforded the taxpayer via Public Officer’s Law, Freedom of Information Law, library bylaws and policy manual, it causes me to consider why the current officers of the GNL would be in public office and not want to or, worse yet, not know they must abide by these laws. With an annual budget of nearly $10 million, transparency is key for all operations.
I encourage everyone to vote Monday, Oct. 25, at Parkville or Main between 10 a.m. and 10 p.m. Vote for Dr. Barry Smith and Don Panetta, candidates for all Great Neck Library taxpayers.
Marietta DiCamillo
Former President, Great Neck Library
