Library Budget Vote

[Jon Alvarez]

Yesterday the Baldwinsville Public Library held it's annual budget vote. First off, why do these even take place at such odd times when no one remembers or cares to vote, except the friends of the library? My question is this. With a sign posted noting that a polling place was established and no electioneering or loitering within 100 yds was to be permitted, I noticed that a table with baked goods and manned by little old ladies aka "Friends of the Library" was set up within 10 yds of the polls. Isn't that a violation? By the way, my beef, along with others, is that this budget was calling for $1.2 million, $6ook for salaries for 23 people!! It's a nice library, but many like myself feel it has exceeded its mandate, now they are stocking up on entertainment DVDs as well. Thoughts?

[Jon Alvarez]

Thanks!

Jon Alvarez, President The Patriot League of CNY

"Finding that the two party political system is currently more about seizing and maintaining personal power, rather than our elected legislators exercising their authority for the good of the People as a whole, the Patriot League of Central New York has been formed. We believe that government of the People, by the People and for the People should be returned to the People. With strength in numbers and in votes, we seek the empowerment of ideas that are in the interest of the common good, education, endorsement and enlightenment of all American citizens and the return to the Judeo- Christian values of the United States of America. The values this country was originally founded upon and that were enumerated in the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution of the United States of America."

[Jon Alvarez]

ping

[Ike]

600K for 23 people gives an average of 23K for salaries. I'm sure the distribution is top-heavy, but the COL in New York probably demands at least a living wage.
Of course they have DVD's - did you complain when they has VHS tapes?
Do you use the library? Most libraries are trying to keep up with patron demands for more technology, more computers, more databases (some of these databases, the good ones, like ProQuest, e.g., can cost $70,000 - $100,000 a year) and more staff to help patrons.
The budget should be public record - ask to see it. Also ask about circulation figures, and figure out the per capita ratio of items circulated per citizen. If the library is doing its job, don't be so quick to jump on them. (You can check the staff parking area for a Lexus or Mercedes, too, and see if the director is wearing Prada or Savile Row...)

P.S. Yep, I'm a librarian - NOT a member of ALA!

[lysie]

Good morning. Yes, it is a nice library and yet most of the time I travel farther because the Liverpool library usually has more of what I want.

IMO, B'ville library is gluttonous...$$$.

[PeteB570]

I liked you post.

Hang in there.

[Ike]

600K for 23 people gives an average of 23K for salaries.


Oops - $26K. It's early!

[Jon Alvarez]

Q: How many librarians does it take to stamp a book?

A: Obviously a lot

I like where they have a call for volunteers...what on earth do the paid folks do?

[art_rocks]

We have a similiar issues here in Aurora, Colorado with a mental health tax. First issue was the election is in May and not in November with the general election. Second issue, the polling places are in mental health facilities and not the normal places.

Let's be honest, they know it wouldn't pass if the votes was during a normal election. They expect low turnout and try to have as many supporters vote for this single issue to win.

[Jon Alvarez]

big yup there!