On behalf of the West Hempstead Public Library Board of Trustees, I would like to extend my sincerest appreciation to the West Hempstead community. On Tuesday, June 3, by a vote of nearly two to one, West Hempstead residents approved a bond to build a new library.

West Hempstead residents proved that they wanted a new library, which they are certainly deserve, including sufficient meeting space for community organizations, advanced technology, ample shelves for all of our books, and spacious rooms for reading, research, and study, with information resources and entertainment options for everybody.

But there are still steps that need to be taken before the doors to the library can be opened. The entire process from getting approval from the state for final construction plans, to bidding out the four prime contracts, to breaking ground, and finally cutting the ribbon on opening day, will take us to January 2006 - but it's well worth the wait.

This library would not have been possible without the strong support of the West Hempstead community. Your yes vote helped make a long overdue dream a reality.

Again, thank you for your overwhelming support.

Ralph J. Reissman

President, West Hempstead Public Library Board of Trustees