Library has plan to continue service
MARY F. BOBINSKI Director Amherst Libraries
Thanks to The Amherst Bee on the excellent editorial in support of the Williamsville Library. This newspaper has always been a leader in bringing forth matters of concern to the community.

I would like to assure readers that a plan for Williamsville Library is in place. The community and the Amherst Public Library had two years to consider the situation that has been so critical to Amherst.

The first year, upon hearing that Williamsville Library was in danger, the community rose up in arms, and the town supervisor and board supported the facility with $100,000 - a one time only at that amount - because it was felt that Erie County should give support to such a heavily-used library, 17th out of 52 libraries in circulation and 13th in program attendance.

Last year a number of economies went into place and only $65,000 was requested from the town. The Amherst Library Board and director have since put in a plan of service with staff economies, better delivery of service with cost efficiencies, a donor plan listing key donors on a prominent plaque in Williamsville Library, and use of fine income, book sale proceeds and grants. It is anticipated that even if there were a request from the town for 2008, which seems unlikely at this point, it would be minimal. It would be surprising if a town board, which has been so supportive in the past, could not come up with the small amount if needed. Our excellent maintenance staff, especially Kevin Zawadzki and Bob Nemmer, have improved library buildings over the years at a very lost cost to the town by working above and beyond the call of duty.

However, I would like to stress that from 2008 on, with the Williamsville Plan of Service in place, that library should be self-sustaining, and no support from the Town of Amherst would be requested.

A fine new library director will be coming to Amherst, Roseanne Butler-Smith, current director of the Clarence Library and former director of the City of Tonawanda Library. I am serving in a volunteer capacity until she starts on March 1. Butler Smith is inheriting an excellent plan for the Amherst libraries - including Williamsville. But she, as every director and librarian, will always have to propose and gain adequate funding - as I have tried to do for 33 years.

Amherst residents have made it loud and clear that libraries are a priority. That, I have no doubt, will continue as we move into the future. We are grateful to the Citizens to Save the Library, the Grassroots Williamsville Group, volunteers and the Erie County legislators who supported the 2007 public library increase, the first step of three which will restore these libraries to nationally-approved levels.

With this support, as well as the help of others, the Amherst libraries will continue to be the busiest, top-circulating libraries in the county, receiving recognition for good service which this community deserves.