Building maintenance and repair is not generally thought of when one thinks about a library. Yet, as the library director, most of my time is spent thinking about, strategizing, finding funding for, or worrying about our building! If our building and grounds aren't safe, accessible, protected or well maintained, then we cannot serve our community as well as we should. The challenge is funding, and we are embarking on efforts to secure several New York State Construction Grants to cover the costs of projects we have planned, in addition to the roof. These projects on the horizon for the next few years include repaving and expanding the parking lot, carving a nice-sized quiet space/small meeting room out of the current staff workroom, reorganizing the staff workspace and service desk area for better efficiency, working on a dedicated teen space, upgrading our lighting throughout the building for better efficiency and visibility, placing a site sign on the front lawn facing Hudson Street, and installing a generator. Whew! It will be a busy couple of years but the new improvements should better meet the needs our community has expressed a desire for, and create a library we all can be proud of.

Mary Lou Carolan