Following several months of complaints about the condition of the Levittown Public Library, several residents at this month's library board meeting, suggested that a Friends of the Levittown Library or a Citizens Committee be formed to help implement changes and improvements that the concerned residents feel need to be made.

John Bosco, a Levittown resident who worked for the library until recently noted a few improvements that had been made and commended the board for taking those actions. He then went on to speak about how many other local libraries have an organization called "Friends of the Library." He noted that he was not aware how one went about starting an organization such as that but added that he felt it would be very important for the Levittown Library to have a chapter of the organization. Bosco stated that he felt that the establishment of a Friends of the Library might help build public support for any future projects that the library may be planning that might involve a budget increase or bond. "They contribute money from fund raisers and they also have a philosophical interest in the library, seeing a certain pride in it," said Bosco, comparing it with the type of feelings that a chamber of commerce instills in a business community.

President of the Library Board, Judge David Schecter said that he didn't know anything about this program. Library Board Trustee Margaret Santer noted that she has a friend in East Williston where a Friends of the Library exists and said that she would inquire of how one might be established. Schecter said that he did not believe that a Friends of the Library would need Library Board approval because it is an independent organization and would not have to be voted in the way that the library board is.

Grace Olson, another concerned resident noted that after the public discussion period at the previous library board meeting Library Director P.W. Martin requested permission to spend $3,000 on various items for the children's section of the library. She said that she did notice a new rack for tapes today, but added that she felt more money should be spent on the children's section. According to Olson, in a conversation she had with the library director she was told that he did not feel that it was appropriate to invest a large amount of money in the children's area now when there may be renovations and expansions taking place at the library in the future. Olson expressed her frustration that her granddaughter, who is 2 1/2 years old would not have the opportunity to use a decent children's section even while she is in elementary school.

Olson then spoke about the fact that in the children's section there is still a phonograph that uses 33 1/3 records, and is approximately 20 years old. "I think we can afford something that has a CD in it and tape in it," said Olson. She noted that she often has to go over to the Seaford Library for different programs and has discovered that the Seaford Library, which has fewer children, has a children's budget of $17,000. She questioned the size of the children's budget at the Levittown Library and said that she believes Levittown should at least have a comparable budget.

Olson addressed Schecter, referring to a meeting where he spoke about establishing a citizens volunteer committee, and questioned the difference between that and a Friends of the Library. She said that she believes, from speaking to friends, neighbors, and people she has met at the library, that citizen involvement in the library would serve to make it stronger. Schecter said that he believes a Citizens Committee is formed by the board whereas a Friends of the Library is formed by the citizens themselves. "The library does need friends, by whatever name you call it, a group of people who want to do good for the community," said Schecter. Both Schecter and Olson agreed that they are all working toward a common goal.

Another resident, Thelma Ryan, stated her belief that no citizens committee would need to be sanctioned by the board. She noted that a group of this sort would get together and suggest changes or improvements and bring these suggestions or any complaint to the board. A Friends of the Library, said Ryan, is more of a fund-raising group, a group that would raise money to implement the changes and improvements suggested by the citizens committee.

Ryan went on to suggest that the board reach out to the community more and showed them an example of another community's library newsletter, in which there is a message from the director and another message from the board. Ryan said that if the board reached out more they would be able to inform the community about what plans are being made for the library. She said that even now, attending the meetings every month, she still leaves not knowing what is happening at the library. She added that many residents are not even aware of when the library meetings are. Ryan said that she and other residents at the meeting worked hard to help get the library budget passed and expressed her frustration that when she asks questions of the board they are not answered. "The board should be able to put something in writing letting us know what's going on," said Ryan. "Last time I asked questions nobody on the board would answer except for Dr. Nogan. I don't think that's fair. The board is an elected body. They answer to the people and the people have a right to know. I think the board should be more open and involve the residents."

Ryan said that in the past year that she has been coming to meetings she has seen very little change and seen few new faces at the meeting. She added that the library has barely changed at all in the last 30 years and said that upgrades at the library need to occur so that the library can be part of the community again. "Please become more resident/patron friendly," implored Ryan.

Another concerned parent expressed her concerns about the safety of the library and noted two incidents that she witnessed where children were injured in the children's section. She said that she uses the library a lot and is very happy with the staff and the book collection but because of the lack of space and the safety concerns many residents do not want to go to the Levittown Library. She added that by the time the children reach school-age it is too late for them to develop a real love of learning and encouraged the board to make the environment in the children's section more family friendly so that parents will want to bring their children there at an early age. She said that she would like to see a carpeted area where the children can sit and read or play. She expressed her pleasure with the puzzles that are now available for the children but asked that the library consider adding more manipulatives for the children to work with. She echoed the sentiments of previous speakers about the need for citizen involvement.

Following the public discussion portion of the meeting, Library Director P.W. Martin spoke about some of the improvements that are taking place at the library. He said that they are planning on putting a rug in the children's room and that they would be working on some low-budget improvements that can be done quickly and easily. Martin added that he, the staff and the board have worked out a plan to make some changes over the summer that would make the library more accessible. According to Martin the replacement of tables and chairs is a larger expenditure and said that he will be speaking to the board because he believes they are at the point where the board should hire a consultant on space utilization and design. He added that he hopes that they can begin the replacement of the older tables and chairs over the summer. "I think this is time for the board to begin a serious planning process for a major expansion and renovation of the building," said Martin.

Martin added that many improvements have been made to the library over the past few years that are not readily visible but are beneficial to the mechanics of the building. Some of the improvements, according to Martin are the replacement of the roof, an improvement to the air-conditioning system, and electrical work. The board has also instituted a project to renovate the lobby and to install an elevator. Because the library falls under the school district's budget all major projects for the library must be approved by the state education department so everything takes a considerable amount of time. "I think that there are things that are happening but I think the time has come for the board to begin the planning process for a really major expansion and renovation for the building," said Martin.

Though no decisions were made about a citizens group for the library, residents at the meeting expressed an interest in being involved in such an organization and they were encouraged by the board to gather information about how the Levittown Library could form a group that will assist in the improvement of the library.