REFERENCE POINT
Newsletter of the Goshen Public Library,
Supported by the Friends of the Goshen Public Library,
Vol. 4, No. 4., April 1998


"There was a man named Andrew Carnegie who gave lots of money for libraries 'cause he had been dumb once himself and he wanted everyone to have an equal chance like he didn't." Nikki Giovanni


Library Budget Vote Set for April 22!

The annual library budget vote and trustee election will take place in the library at 203 Main Street on Wed., April 22, from 7 AM until 8 PM. Applications for absentee ballots must be made to Pauline Kehoe at the library. The deadlines for these ballots are April 15 for those who require the ballot be mailed and April 21 for those who will pick it up. Completed ballots must be received by 5 PM on April 22.

The proposed budget of $498,979 requires a real property tax of $452,979, which represents a $24,215 increase (5.6 percent) over this year's budget. The remainder of the 7 percent increase in expenses will be offset by the appropriated fund balance and support from the Friends of the Goshen Public Library.

This budget proposition translates into an estimated library tax of $.37 per $1,000 of assessed valuation for a home in Goshen, based on last year's equalization rates and this year's revaluation of properties.


Trustee Position

This year there is a vacancy on the Board of Trustees for a five year term. The position is currently being filled by Ed Connor, who is running unopposed for reelection.

Mr. Connor has been a member of the Board of Trustees since May 1996. In addition, he is a member of the Goshen Zoning Board of Appeals and the Village Forestry Committee. Mr Connor is a Goshen native, and a village resident and homeowner. He works as an editor at John Wiley & Sons.


Focus Groups

As part of its long range planning, the library will be conducting six focus groups, selected to be representative of various segments of the population.

The groups will be conducted by Leslie Burger from Library Development Solutions and will be scheduled in early May. The feedback elicited from the groups will be used as a base for re-evaluating and further developing library services.


Tours

In February and March, the library offered informational tours of its facility to members of the Village Board, Town Council, and Board of Education. Additional tours are planned in coming months for other community groups. The tours acquaint policy makers and voters with the full extent of library services and emphasize the inadequacy of space available to provide these services.

Some information shared about the month of January:

Grants

The library recently received two grants to help defer the cost of programming. Poets & Writers, Inc. will be funding two poetry workshops, one in April and one in the fall. And, the Arts Council of Orange County will be supporting a summer lawn concert series.


Summer Hours

Our summer hours begin May 23rd. They are: 

Mon - Thur       9 AM - 8 PM
Friday           9 AM - 6 PM
Saturday        10 AM - 3 PM


1998 Book Discussion Continues....

Riding the Tiger: Technology and the Public Good
Wednesdays, April 22 and May 6, 7:30 PM

Is technology a blessing or a curse? Examine the effects of this advanced knowledge on society as guest scholars discuss both the repercussions and the advantages it offers. Books now available. 


April 22  The Soul of the New Machine by Tracy Kidder
          Scholar: Mary Makofske,
          Orange County Community College

May 6     Player Piano by Kurt Vonnegut
          Scholar: Vara Neverow,
          Southern Connecticut State University

This program is supported, in part, by the Ramapo Catskill Library System and the Friends of the Goshen Public Library and Historical Society.


Backyard Basics
Tuesday, May 5, 7 PM

Explore the benefits of organic gardening with Bill and Mary Makofske. Learn how to let Mother Nature do her job without chemical assistance, for healthier produce and a cleaner environment.


Elder Law

Attend this presentation designed to clarify the difference between having a power of attorney and a healthcare proxy. Discover which would best suit your needs and why, with the help of a representative of the New York State Bar Association's Elder Law Section.



Children's Programs

Winnie the Pooh and You (And the budget too!)
Wed., April 22, 2:30 - 4:30 PM

To celebrate National Library Week, Winnie the Pooh will be delivering treats to all children who stop by to visit him at the library. Children, who must be accompanied by an adult, can join in games or make a craft. Don't forget your camera to take a souvenir photo!

Registration for the following programs will by by walk-in lottery on Wed., April 22, 9 AM to 8 PM.


American Girl Doll Display and Craft
Tues., May 5, 3 - 5 PM (Allow a half hour)
For grades K - 4

Enjoy the beauty and learn the history of these unique dolls. Make a craft from one of the various time periods they represent.

American Girl Book Discussion and Tea
Wed., May 6, 4 - 5 PM
For grades 2 - 6

The newest American Girl will be introduced and each child will read the book, Meet Josephina. Afterwards, a 'tea' will be served while the book is discussed. A collection of the dolls will be on display.

Happy Birthday, Angelina Ballerina!
Thurs., May 14, 10:30 - 11:30 AM
or 1:30 - 2:30 PM
For ages 4 - 6

Help this famous mouse celebrate her 15th birthday with stories, game and mouse cupcakes!

Stamp Collecting for Fun and Profit
Sun., May 17, 2 - 3 PM
For grades 1 - 6

Become a philatelist! Learn how by attending this program. Each participant will receive stamps and an album to start a collection.

Tot Time Crafts
Wed., May 20, 10 AM - 12 PM
For ages 2 & 3 (accompanied by adult)

Spend a half hour with your child and see what you can create together. A variety of crafts will be offered. Please make arrangements for younger and older siblings, as space and supplies are limited.

Happy Anniversary, Ameila Bedelia!
Thurs., May 28, 4 - 5 PM
For grades K - 1

Everyone's favorite maid has been working for 35 years! Join us for stories, games and goodies.


sOlVE iT @ ThE LiBraRY!
1998 New York State Summer Reading Program

A free program of mysterious reading and intriguing activities for school-age children in the Goshen Central School District. This program runs July 6 through August 6, and activities can be selected to fit busy summer schedules. 


       Pee Wee Private Eyes  For kids entering grades K-1
       Ace Detectives        For Kids entering grades 2-6
       Super Sleuths         For kids entering grades 7-12

Registration starts Monday, June 22nd, from 9 AM until 4:30 PM and will continue through July 6th. Early registrants will have first choice of special programs.



Library News

Thanks to your support in the past year, the Friends have been able to purchase a portable PA system for the library. We have also sponsored the children's summer reading program, this newsletter, book discussions, summer lawn concerts, the ice cream social, a holiday open house and the poetry fest (attended by over 200 people). Currently, we are in the process of registering with the state for formal not-for-profit corporation status.

Friends activities are supported by donations of time and money raised through book sales, item sales, raffles and membership dues. Dues can be paid after April 30 for the next fiscal year, running from July 1st through June 30th. Membership entitles you to discounts for both the May and July book sales. Annual membership also affords you a voice in the planning of Friends activities and a 20 percent discount on items purchased from the library throughout the year. Current members are also invited to Friends social functions.

Membership dues are:

  • Students - $2.00
  • Individuals - $5.00
  • Family - $10.00
  • Sponsor - $25.00
  • Patron - $50.00
  • Benefactor - $75.00

We now have 110 members! Won't you join us?

If you would like to assist with Friends projects, please include a note with your check payable to Friends of the GPLHS. Membership may be mailed to the Firends in care of the Goshen Public Library and Historical Society, 203 Main St., Goshen, NY 10924.

The Friends meet on the third Thursday of every month at 7 PM. The annual meeting will be on May 21 when new officers will be elected and a vote will be taken to amend the by-laws. Anyone interested in becoming a Friend is encouraged to attend. if you are willing to serve as an officer, please contact Kerri Maner at 427-5451 prior to this meeting.

We are also looking for volunteers for our upcoming book sales on May 9 and July 4. Members of the Friends who help sort books are encouraged to take first pick while working. Youth groups seeking community service projects are encouraged to contact Ken Hazard at 294-3001 if they are available to carry books for the sales.


Staff Profile

Anita Whitehead began work as a volunteer in the library in early 1997, updating the library's local short story index. In July of 1997, Anita became a part-time reference librarian, allowing us to expand the hours of our reference service. As of April 1, Anita became full time. She is replacing Debbie Peters, who left the library to pursue a career in the social services.

Anita came to Goshen in 1997 from Geneseo, New York, where she was a reference librarian at SUNY Geneseo for six years. Prior to that appointment, she was the co-director of the Wadsworth Library, Geneseo's public library. Anita has a Bachelor's degree in English from Seton Hall University and a Master's of Library Science degree from Syracuse University.

Anita lives in Goshen with her husband Jim, who is the director of Letchworth Village Developmental Center. They have three children, Chuck, Sara and Todd.


Holiday Closings

The library will be closed on May 25th in observance of Memorial Day.


Top of page | 98/99 Budget | Budget News | Home