Bethlehem Public Library has a proposed budget of $4.3 million for the 2019-20 fiscal year. The levy portion of the budget comes in at about $4 million, an increase of 3.31 percent over last year and within the state-mandated spending cap.
The spending plan allows the library to continue offering and improving the programs, services, materials and community spaces our patrons are looking for. It allocates additional funding for library materials, including e-books and the Library of Things, as well as more of the concerts, expert lecturers and author visits that are in high demand. The budget also takes into account upcoming capital expenses to keep our facility comfortable and safe, as well as expected increases in professional services and property tax refunds.
“The 2019-20 budget represents our commitment to being an important part of the community, today and many years from now, while staying within the state-mandated tax cap,” said library director Geoffrey Kirkpatrick.
A detailed budget chart is available in the May/June issue of the Footnotes newsletter and online at www.bethlehempubliclibrary.org.
Bethlehem Central School District residents will vote on the budget Tuesday, May 21, from 7 a.m.-9 p.m. at Bethlehem Central High School.
Also on the ballot is one full-term, five-year seat. A list of candidates will be available on the library website (www.bethlehempubliclibrary.org) Wednesday, April 24. An informal Meet the Candidates evening will be held at the library Thursday, May 2, at 6 p.m.
Glimmerglass with Friends
The Friends of the Library are once again sponsoring two trips to Glimmerglass Opera this summer: “La Traviata” on Tuesday, July 30, and “Showboat” Saturday, Aug. 17.
The Glimmerglass trips have been an annual summer tradition for many years, and they are a great way to enjoy an elegant outing while supporting the Friends. Each bus will leave CDTA’s Delaware Avenue park-and-ride lot next to Mercato’s Restaurant at 9:30 a.m. on the day of the performance. The cost is $135 for each outing, which includes lunch at the Otesaga Hotel. Your check is your reservation — no refunds unless your seat is sold. For more information, contact Polly Hartman at (518) 439-3291.
Seats fill quickly. You will find a reservation form in the May/June edition of Footnotes and online at www.bethlehempubliclibrary.org.
Join the chat
Coffee and Conversation continues Friday, April 26, with “Win, Place or Show.” A representative from the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame will discuss the history of thoroughbred racing as the Kentucky Derby approaches.
Coffee & Conversation programs are free and open to everyone. They begin at 1 p.m. and last about 60 minutes with a coffee and social hour following. The series is co-sponsored by Bethlehem Senior Projects, Inc.
Other upcoming events
All events are free and take place at Bethlehem Public Library, 451 Delaware Ave., Delmar. For more information, call 518-439-9314 or visit bethlehempubliclibrary.org.
— Kristen Roberts
