The Library Board, a group of dedicated individuals, is valiantly trying once more, to solve the problem of an inadequate institution badly in need of a new structure and parking space.

Unfortunately for our town and library habitues, there is a large group of questioners who must be convinced to approve of the condemnation process, and also of course of the 20-year bond which might amount to $15 or $20 million.

The prospect of an additional tax of $5.00 or $6.00 weekly per household has some town people distressed. Most apprehensive are those who are politically and personally against taxes or big government.

And, there are those who are here 30 or 40 years who say they never entered this vital athenaeum, and see no reason to build a "luxury" monument.

It's a pity that the nay sayers prevailed in the past. Earlier proposals would have cost less millions, and provided more space inside and outside.

It's a pity we lost out to sites with room to grow and include the dreamed of youth and senior center, with a community room close by.

Instead, we are stuck with trying to use every centimeter of the proposed space, a fight to obtain the property next door, a closing or curtailing of services for 1 or 2 years, and a possible defeat of the whole plan.

Of course I will support this "better than nothing" plan, but I'm getting too old to "hold my breath" while I await the finished product in years to come.

Yesterday I drove past the Port Washington library. Around the 4th of July they will be celebrating the opening of their newer, greatly extended building. In addition, they are working on a large piece of land for parking they have obtained across the street. Roslyn and Great Neck are always improving and enlarging.

Makes you kind of wonder why our citizens are not intense about an airy, many windowed retreat, full of papers, magazines, books, tapes, videos; a place to read and meet the elite of our town.

Email: bernardx@excite.com