"Libraries and schools are the clearest measure of the community," according to George Beatty and the Mineola Library Board seem to agree because they have hired Beatty's firm Beatty Harvey and Associates to analyze all components of Mineola Memorial Library.

Library Board President Jack Martins said that after reviewing several firms with an eye toward the future, Beatty Harvey and Associates was chosen because of its experience in the realm of libraries, having worked on about three dozen such projects in the metropolitan area.

George Beatty spoke to the Mineola American before appearing at the first of several meetings with Mineola focus groups to hammer out what Mineola Memorial Library should look like.

Beatty's firm looked over the existing building and found what many much more familiar with the building have come to know firsthand. Time has taken its toll on the library.

In acquiring the firm, the library board has already made moves to rectify what they see as a problem.

Martins described some of the deficiencies of the current library as poor research facilities, a number of books that do not attract readers, the circulation area being too big and the services being spread out over multiple floors.

A less than inviting basement with flooding problems, an old electrical system and an all together old building are also part of the problem.

As to just what to do, figuring out a plan of action is the purpose of these series of meetings.

Beatty said that the library is a reflection of the values, needs and interests of the community, so there can be dramatic differences from one community to another.

Some libraries want to emphasize space for children and some have relatively less space for children, opting to use more of the space for areas such as adult reading or research.

Some libraries have extended sections on a particular subject. It was suggested that the Mineola Library might want to encompass the fact that it is and has been the county seat throughout the years.

And though there are differences some elements of libraries are becoming universal. "The computer is the centerpiece of contemporary and future library planning," said Beatty.

Space is needed for circulation, administration, a lobby, restrooms and parking lots. There should be areas for children and for adults, said Beatty.

Furthermore, libraries will be bigger than just the buildings they occupy. Measures are taken to deal with the ever expanding role of the library. "We build in as much flexibility as possible," said Beatty.

Speaking of flexible building, there has been discussion that the changes to the library might lead to a new building perhaps at a new location.

If a change in location or building was to happen the question is whether or not this is the best way to deal with the issue. "It is neater to build a new building. Is it cost effective? Not always," said Beatty.

The ideal place for a library according to Beatty would be three acres located in the center of the village, a place where there is a lot of activity. There was some discussion of establishing the new library near the current Village Hall and Community Center. Ultimately it will be a decision made by the residents of Mineola.

There was some discussion of a library district in which instead of a library for just Mineola residents there would be a theoretically bigger library for the residents of several neighbor communities.

Though Beatty said he has worked on successful library districts in the past, he understands Martins' resistance to the idea, and offered that the current population of Mineola offers a significant base for which to establish a library.

In order to create the right library for Mineola, the firm in conjunction with the Library Board, has set up a series of meeting dates to focus in on what exactly a Mineola library should be.

Last Thursday, a meeting was held to discuss the issues of the library project with focus groups comprised of representatives from organizations such as the Mineola Fire Department and the Senior Citizens Groups.

Before the meeting Beatty stated, "The purpose of today's meeting is to bring from community a series of ideas that will help us crystalize where the library should be going.

"I am sure that we will find that people in these groups will wear two hats, the group they came in with and their individual, even family needs."

A handful of representatives from organizations such as the PTA and the Pool Board, began the meeting, and as some members of the audience left, new ones arrived.

A general meeting is planned for mid-August and another one in mid-September. These meetings will lead to a referendum to be held at the end of September which will give the Mineola residents the right to decide whether or not the Mineola Library should be rebuilt or replaced.