I read an interesting blog on the correlation between property values and the libraries. It seems that areas with stable / higher property values have better libraries. The argument is that while schools are the “big draw” in people moving to communities (as was my family’s decision in moving out of NYC all those years ago), there is something to be said about the libraries and parks as well. It appears that communities with libraries have a more well read and better educated population and help foster a stable community. It gives the youth alternative things to do by virtue of programs and books to read. This type of environment usually attracts businesses and economic expansion / stability in an area.
So, even if you don’t utilize the library, you are potentially reaping a benefit by the library in the form of a better quality of life in the community and possibly a better market value on properties.
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My thought was the following: “Is this cause and effect, or effect and cause”? In other words, is the library helping in making a better cultural environment in the community, or is it the people striving for the better environment realizing that a library is a key partner in an upward spiral. Either way, it appears that one of the common denominators in the the overall health and stability of an area is the library.
I read up on a few articles / blogs and found this one to be quite interesting and to the point:
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The Nanuet Library is looking to exceed the tax cap by approximately $225,000 or 10 to 11%. This is due to the libraries problems with the air conditioners and several other issues that need to be worked on. As I have stated in previous blogs, the Library was originally looking to raising a bond for $19 million to build a new building, however with the economy the way its been for so long, we didn’t think it prudent to put out a $19 million bond at this point in time. We are looking to a more modest approach of upgrading and reorganizing the current facilities. So, instead of a $19 million bond, we are looking increase the taxes by $225,000 and get some additional life out of the current structure while making improvements over the next 5 years.
Some of the improvements on the plate are: a new air conditioning system (the current ones must be replaced due to age, and one uses an old refrigerant that is being phased out), bathroom rejuvenation, looking to optimize space usage in the library, updating the tables /seating and the parking lot and some exterior grounds work.
Survey is up and running:
The library is really looking to get some community input and involvement in the process. To maximize community input the library has a survey that we are looking to get filled out by our patrons. Please go to the Library’s website and follow the instructions, or stop by the library and fill it out in person. But, please hurry, the survey is only going on for a few weeks and also please follow the instructions on the website to be included for the raffle of the $50 gift cards for 2 lucky people who shared their opinions with us (donated by the Friends of the library).
If you would like to take the 5 minute survey on-line, please see the website below:
Also, while you are at the website, please notice that the next Library Trustee meeting has been moved to March 20th. One of the items on the agenda is the upcoming anual budget, so please stop on by.
