Six Wantagh Libraries (About)

[Chris_Wendt]

I posted the following comment on W-S Patch which is asking for comments about the Wantagh and Seaford Public Libraries (link).
I think my ideas have some value for the BoE to at least consider.

"I have a generally favorable opinion of the Wantagh Public Library, with no negatives about the selection or services.
I think the Community Room is a vital resource.

The Wantagh Public Library is part of the Nassau County Library System, which facilitates finding almost any title with no trouble. The Wantagh Public Library is a subsidiary of the Wantagh School District, and therefore the Library budget impacts our school taxes although they are managed totally separately. While this arrangement cannot be changed, I often wonder if any economies (cost/tax savings, or even better service offerings) could be realized by a much closer, more formalized integration of the Public Library and the five (5) school libraries.

There has not been much urgency to consider closer cooperation, integration or even some form of administrative consolidation among the six (6) libraries serving Wantagh (the community and our schools). However, the Governor is proposing significant property tax incentives two years from now for which only school districts and municipal governments that agree to consolidate some functions or services (to reduce costs) will be eligible. Food for thought for both the Board of Education members and the Wantagh Library Board members, starting right now. "

What do you think? We have two years to consolidate something with someone in order to become eligible to have our school taxes frozen.

Regards,

Chris Wendt