In his recent Letter to the Editor, "Taxes are Hell," George Rand of Franklin Square satirizes our community's (West Hempstead) decision to, among other things, build a new public library. Citing the present state of the economy, Mr. Rand questions the wisdom of spending money for libraries, for public schools, in short, for the public good.

Tongue in cheek, Mr. Rand awards both the West Hempstead Library Board and the West Hempstead Civic Association the "Spin-Meister Medal," for their outspoken roles in the 'campaign' to build a library for our hamlet's next 50 years.

On behalf of the Executive Board of the WHCA, I accept the accolade.

Levity aside, these are difficult economic times, for all of us. Still, we do not build libraries on a whim, a fleeting moment's fancy, as if a coin tossed recklessly into a fountain. Indeed, we build libraries, fund education, and put time, energy and money into our communities, with a vision far beyond the lifespan of any given economic cycle. Difficult economic times will pass, the boom years will come and go, but libraries will endure for generations!

The true medal of valor, in the ongoing battle to promote, preserve, and improve our community, goes to those who, financial hardships notwithstanding, have the courage and the foresight to build libraries

and rebuild our town.

Seth D. Bykofsky

West Hempstead

(The writer is former President of the West Hempstead Civic Association, and currently serves as the WHCA's Legislative Liaison.)