24 Chestnut Street, Spring Valley, NY 10977
Phone: (845) 352-5700
Fax: (845) 352-2319

Director: Bob Devino

Proposed Library Budget
2007-2008:

Click here for the Proposed
Library Budget 2007-08

A Message from Library Director, Bob Devino

I am very pleased to announce that the Library’s Board of Trustees has recently approved a proposed budget that while continuing to allow for our future growth and an array of new services, will still keep the tax increase facing the voters of the East Ramapo Central School District at only 2.9 percent. This means that the average home owner in our service area will only pay an additional $6.70 in library tax if the proposed budget is approved. This increase would be the smallest in recent memory.

The Board and I worked out a proposed 2007 – 2008 operating budget that increases spending by 5.85 percent. However, to keep any tax increase to a minimum, the Board transferred an additional $150,000 from our existing fund balance into the budget. This fund balance included over $19,000 reimbursed to the Library through a member item from Senator Thomas Morahan for enhanced security cameras, New York State construction aid of over $46,000 towards our parking lot expansion and some $10,000 in unused snow removal money thanks to our mild winter.

Last year’s tax increase was 4.92 percent.

“The Trustees have been acutely aware of the financial burden faced by many residents in East Ramapo. That in mind, we believe we have fashioned a responsible budget for next year that not only moves the library forward in several exciting areas, but does so at minimal cost to our taxpayers,” said Mel Zalkin, a member of the Board of Trustees. “Finkelstein will continue to provide indispensable services to one of the most diverse populations in New York State.”

The 2007 – 2008 budget proposal, if approved, will allow for the hiring of two critical staff positions, an assistant director – a position that has remained unfilled for the past two years – and a new technology network manager who will be responsible for the maintenance of our 135 computers, wireless network, video conferencing center, and our state of the art security system.

Most exciting of all, we think, is that the proposed budget also contains funds which will allow us to institute new Sunday hours of operation from 1 – 5 PM year round, summer included. This is in response to many longstanding requests from our patrons.

I have attached a list of the achievements of the past year as a reminder of what your tax dollars helped us accomplish in 2006, as well as a peek at some of the exciting projects now underway, again, all made possible by your support.

Please review the proposed budget, and, as always if you have any questions or comments, please feel free to call me at 845-352-5700 x230, or email me at bdevino@rcls.org. And, of course, thank you in advance for your time and consideration. Please remember to vote on June 5th.

Bob Devino, Library Director

Over the past year, Finkelstein Memorial Library has:

• built a new parking lot providing 30 extra parking spots,
• increased the number of the homebound or institutionalized individuals or facility sponsors who have library materials delivered to their homes to 60,
• expanded several library collections (classic DVDs, traditional Jewish literature, computer games, graphic novels for children, etc) and doubled the number of computers in its technology center (attracting some 4,000 users a month),
• added wireless access (serving more than 100 users a month), added 24 laptop computers available for in-house, upgraded and expanded web-based services and information and upgraded and replaced library servers and routers,
• added security coverage for every hour of library operation and enhanced security camera coverage of the building,
• upgraded or replaced 90 percent of the staff computers and replaced the library’s outdated computer backup power system,
• begun quarterly free public blood pressure screenings,
• been selected as a designated voting site for Primary, General, and Special elections,
• hosted numerous non-library sponsored events (as the community’s only real public meeting space), including the AARP Tax-Aide aimed at low income and seniors in need of tax preparation assistance,
• held What’s Cool workshop for teen girls and the ever-popular international and independent film series and a 12-week series of literacy programs in conjunction with Literacy Volunteers of Rockland County,
• held Sunday afternoon music programs and popular Tuesday evening and Wednesday matinee movie showings (with popcorn),
• received NYLA Intellectual Freedom Award
•Offered free computer and Internet training for our community including classes on Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Access and Quickbooks.
•Created an online image gallery, “Enjoyment in Libraries” which received national attention.

Other projects in the works at Finkelstein Memorial Library include:

• a state-of-the art medical reference center,
• the addition of two more handicapped spots, bringing the total number to seven spots
• the reorganization of the Children’s Department, including upgraded computer services, a children’s services website and improved furnishings,
• the upgrading of the library’s fiber optic connections to the Ramapo Catskill Library System, and
• the renovation of the existing circulation desk to make it more useful for patrons and staff.