It is not too early to notice that certain battle lines are forming as we near the next round of elections for posts at the Great Neck Library.
Blurry at first, and couched in general statements of good intent, the underlying signs of battle-readiness pop up from between the lines of letters to the editor, from well-intended, informative press releases, and from occasional block voting on the library board.
And we, as reporters and editors at this community paper, take a deep breath as we recall what last year was like, and the year before, and how we dreaded the personal attacks, the backbiting and the lack of respect some showed for one another. And as we prepare for what is shaping up as one more roller coaster of accusations and counter accusations, we hope and pray that perhaps this time the participants will chart a different course.
What is disturbing is not that people disagree, but that we sometimes forget that it is all right to disagree, and that everyone in the library's universe of volunteers really wants to serve the community and make the library a better place. In the big picture, we are on the same side.
It is hard to believe that some of us want only a touchy-feely role for Levels, with no academics or realistic assessment of today's needs. Nor does the other side want only a narrow path of academics with no creativity. Both want what is good and right for the youngsters, maybe in somewhat different formulas, but what's good nonetheless.
Maybe the differences in visions for our youngsters are not as great as they seem?
One can only find that out in the course of a sincere dialog.
-Avital Louria Hahn
I had the opportunity, recently, of attending a meeting at Great Neck House during which the future of the library's Levels program was discussed. As a library trustee, I was gratified to hear members of the community, parents and students, speak openly and fervently about a program that has been a valued part of the Great Neck library since 1974.
Over the course of the meeting, I became aware, for the first time, that many of the recommendations put forth by the Levels committee were entirely unacceptable to the community. In particular, there was vigorous opposition to the establishment of a homework center. Both parents and students expressed concerns about introducing academics into what has historically been an after-school program devoted to creative and artistic pursuits.
There were many valid questions regarding the practical integration of a homework center with a music and theater program. I learned a great deal from listening to the free and thoughtful exchange of ideas and I fully intend to respect those opinions and to share them with the other trustees. Let me assure the Great Neck community that the library board of trustees insists on a responsible, systematic approach to making decisions, including committee reports by professionals, program evaluations, surveys, statistics and most importantly input from the community.
As the board continues to evaluate Levels, Levels will continue to offer, without interruption, all current services and activities. The library board of trustees is planning to hold a special meeting to discuss Levels. In addition, I will be available on Tuesday, Dec. 2, at 8 p.m. in the multi-purpose room at the main library to meet with residents and listen to your opinions and recommendations concerning Levels.
