On behalf of the Board of Trustees of the Hicksville Public Library, I am pleased to present the 2003-2004 Annual Budget. Many hours were devoted to developing a budget with the least amount of increase so as not to burden you with a large increase in taxes. Our fiscal picture is sound, and we worked very hard to keep costs down and library services up. We will be expanding our parking lot and building a Computer Resource Center on Jerusalem Avenue. We also achieved our goal of continuing our high quality programs and, most importantly, enhancing our collections of books, videos, DVDs and CDs for your enjoyment. All of this for a modest increase of $1.24 per month or $14.92 per household per year.

Some of our community members have been confused about our budget and that of the school district. Although both of us are committed to serve you, the community, we are two different entities with two different missions and two separate boards and budgets.

In the past you have shown your support for our library and have enjoyed our programs and services. It is our goal to continue, under this budget, to make you a satisfied patron. We are committed to serve all our taxpayers, parents, children and seniors. Please show your support for our library by taking the time to vote on April 2, at the Hicksville Public Library between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. Thank you for your continued support.

William P. Bennett

President, Board of Trustees