The proposed West Hempstead Public Library relocation is much needed and long overdue. With almost 17,000 residents and only 8,000 square feet for them to utilize, the numbers don't add up. New York State guidelines recommend that we have twice the usable square footage than we have now.

Then, it's no surprise that out of the 54 public libraries in the county, the Nassau Library System ranks West Hempstead, in terms of size, eighth from the bottom. Although we are one of the smallest, the Nassau Library System's report states that the West Hemsptead Public Library ranks in the top third for resident usage.

Based on these facts, the new site on Hempstead Avenue and Locust Street will be bigger and better equipped to handle the needs and demands of West Hempstead residents.

Michael Tomicich