After the recent bond to build a new West Hempstead Public Library failed by a considerable margin, residents now must wait even longer for a state-of-the-art, modern facility.

Library Director Regina Mascia expressed disappointment over the rejection of a project that was five years in the making. The Library board trustees will now re-group over the summer, before deciding how to proceed, if to proceed at all.

For the foreseeable future, at least, expect to stay put in the present library on Chestnut Street, as is.

Civic Association President, Seth Bykofsky, speaking at the Association's Annual Meeting on June 20, had this to say:

"What is it they say about best laid plans? Never second guess the

electorate, especially on issues of the heart and of the purse. And so, the

library - and a golden opportunity to re-energize our town - goes down to

defeat. The people have spoken and, whatever their reasons, have chosen

storage over knowledge. The cost was too much for some to bear. The location, to many, leaving much to be desired. And the vision of what the future might have held, clearly lacking. And so it goes.

"True, we have lost a great opportunity - to build not only a showplace for our community, but the foundation for the re-emergence of a long-neglected corner of our world, not to mention the Avenue, the Turnpike, and beyond. But that was yesterday. We now must look to tomorrow, wiping the sweat off our brows, rubbing the sand out of our eyes, and lifting our heads, heavy though they may be with frustration and disappointment. We must find the strength within ourselves - each of us - to get back to the drawing board, and design anew our plans, our dreams, our inspirations for our town's future. No, it won't be easy. For many, the ink has run dry, the pencil has worn down to but a nub, and, yes, even the crayons have melted as the spring sun sets on our community.

"As for the designated library building site, the way has now been cleared for the construction of a storage facility."