The Manhasset community turned out in force on Saturday afternoon to listen to the board and express their views regarding the current options for the future of the Manhasset Public Library.

James Pelzer, president of the library's board of trustees, welcomed more than 100 residents and expressed the desire of the board to gain community input so that the end result would be a library that would not only meet the needs of Manhasset residents, but be the option they would support with their vote.

Visual displays for each option were placed around the room and Mr. Pelzer reviewed each one, accepting questions from residents as he went along. Community members were asked to share their thoughts concerning the option they felt would best serve Manhasset.

At the close of the meeting, there was an informal show of hands to indicate support for each option. While the actual count was not formally recorded, this group expressed a strong preference for Option Three, Build a New Library at Christ Church.

The board of trustees will hold an evening meeting in November to continue the process of hearing what the community wants for its library (date to be announced in next week's Manhasset Press). In the meantime, feel free to share your views on an ongoing basis with the Library Director, Marian Robertson, via e-mail, a telephone call or a visit to the library.

Library Update

This Sunday, Oct. 25, at 3 p.m., baritone David Majoros, accompanied by pianist Lucille Felsenthal, will perform a free concert at the library. Manhasset residents will be seated up to 15 minutes prior to the performance. Non-residents will then be seated, space permitting.

On Tuesday, Oct. 27, at 1 p.m., Lucille Cuttler continues her book discussion series with this month's selection, Dreams of My Russian Summers, by Andre Makine. The story is about the enormous human sacrifices of the years following the German invasion of Russia in 1941. Books are available at the circulation desk and new members are always welcome.

Manhasset residents who have tickets for the library's bus trip to Lion King are reminded that the bus leaves Christopher Morley Park promptly at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday. Oct. 28. This trip is sold out and the waiting list is closed.

On Wednesday evening, Oct. 28, at 7:30 p.m., Dr. Albert Zeiger will give a talk on Úquot;How to Listen to JazzÚquot; at the library. This lecture/demonstration seeks to make the listener an active participant, responding on both a musical as well as an emotional level. There will be a live performance on saxophone, clarinet and flute.

Get into the Halloween Spirit on Thursday afternoon, Oct. 29, at 1 p.m. as the library presents Úquot;A Magician Among the SpiritsÚquot; with magician/lecturer Alan Kronzek. Take a Úquot;behind the scenesÚquot; look at spiritualism from a trickster's point of view. For adults only.

On Thursday evening, nationally-famous genealogist James Reilly will guide you in searching for your Irish roots. This lecture is Part III of the library's Úquot;Pride in Our HeritageÚquot; series and will present an introduction to basic records used to begin the search in Ireland. Registration is recommended but not required.