Smithtown Library Budget Vote

The Smithtown Library was granted its 2018 budget of $14.6 million on Tuesday, October 10, 2017. During election day, Smithtown residents gathered to take a vote on the budget with a staggering 798-241 votes. They expressed their gratitude on their facebook page with a shout out to the new elected trustees, William Zimmerman, Brianna Baker-Stines, and Louis S. Frontario.

Along with being providers of information and knowledge, the library has been an integral part of the Smithtown community by hosting several activities that encourages the interaction of the town’s residents in the annual Trunk and Treat, the Saturday Concert Series last summer, its upcoming jazz duo performance this Saturday, and among other events. With the new budget, the library can continue “to serve the reading, informational, cultural and entertainment needs of the community,” Director Robert Lusak said.

The library consists of four buildings: the Commack Branch, the Kings Park Branch, the Nesconset Branch, and the main branch in Smithtown. The budget will be used to maintain and improve the qualities of the facilities within each branch. At least $10.7 million is dedicated to the staff’s salaries and benefits. An expenditure of $344,000 will go towards updated equipment and technology. The board also plans to extend the hours of each branch and to implement new programs.

In addition, the library is expecting an increase in employees as their new pilot program of keeping the Smithtown branch open an additional three hours continues to yield success. Lusak has also suggested his notion to open the other three branches every Friday.

The 2018 Smithtown Library Budget, along with the overwhelming support from the community, will not only improve the conditions of the buildings but will also offer more opportunities for anyone who plans to volunteer. The Smithtown Library can continue to serve its part in Smithtown better equipped and more efficiently.