(Editor's note: the following was sent to local residents and was written by Joseph Eisner, Chairman, Board of Trustees as well as Arthur Cooper, Elaine Gross, Marilyn Leibowitz and Michael Polansky.)

On Tuesday, May 16, Plainview-Old Bethpage residents will be asked to approve an increase in the library's tax appropriation for 2006-07 of just under 3 percent.

Increased maintenance and replacement costs for equipment in older parts of the library building, replacement of computer equipment for Internet service, higher prices for books, materials and electronic data bases, as well as continuing escalation for health insurance premiums and retirement payments are just some of the many factors which have contributed to the rise in cost of providing library service to Plainview-Old Bethpage residents.

While the new auditorium facility has enabled the Library to expand its program offerings, providing books, materials and associated services continues to be our top priority. Our dedicated and friendly staff seeks to satisfy the educational, cultural and recreational needs of Plainview-Old Bethpage Library patrons.

As a result of our recently completed expansion and remodeling, there is a new look in the Media Department, more seats in the Reference Department and increased use of the enlarged Family Center.