Consolidation of Nassau County public libraries is neither an efficient nor effective method to save taxpayer money. Rather, the consolidation of Nassau County public libraries will re-appropriate funds to county - instead of local - control. As evidenced by the New York, Queens and Brooklyn Library systems, this has resulted in library branch closings and/or reduced hours, reduced library staff and greatly reduced quality library staff, thereby indicating less access to overall resources. Both larger and smaller libraries will lose funding to purchase books and offer programs appropriate to their individual communities.

However, there are positive options that can be enacted on a countywide basis to save taxpayer money while retaining and creating innovative library services. Please urge politicians to explore alternative ideas with the Nassau Library system and public library directors.

Judith Loeb