newsletter - Suffern Free Library

2015 BUDGET NEWSLETTER
SUFFERN FREE LIBRARY
www.suf fernfreelibrar y.org
LIBRARY EMBARKS ON A LONG RANGE PLAN
Budget Vote

How can we better serve you?
process.

Do you have any suggestions?
Many of you have already participated in
March 24th from 9AM to 9PM.

How can we improve our service?
our Community Meeting. In the coming
Voting will take place at the
The Library is working with consultants,
Suffern Free Library and at the
Library Development Solutions, to create a
Sloatsburg Public Library. (See
plan for library services for the next five
inside for details.)
years. The planning process began in
Mark your calendars to come
out and vote on Tuesday,
April Art Exhibit
weeks, we will be holding focus groups for
parents, teenagers, seniors and library
advocates. We have also received more
than 1,300 completed surveys.
January, but may take up to nine
This
information
will
help
us
months. This plan will give direction to
determine which services are most
April: Students of the Ramapo
the Board of Trustees, so that they can
important to the community and what
Central School District
be certain they are making good
changes you would like to see over the
decisions about this public trust.
course of the next five years.
Want to know what your valu-
However, this is not just a board-
If you haven’t already done so, please
ables are worth? Need infor-
driven plan, nor is it a staff-driven plan.
take some time to visit our website
mation on auction houses and
Because it is a public library, YOU, our
and
current sales? Visit Prices 4
residents, are extremely important in this
www.suffernfreelibrary.org.
Prices 4 Antiques
complete
our
online
survey
at
Antiques in the Databases
section of our website. It contains data from over 140 U.S.
KEEP CALM AND READ ON
auction houses, with more
Saturday, April 18th at 1PM
than 50 national and regional
auction houses covered on a
regular basis.
Museum Passes
Looking for a way to entertain
Suffern Free Library is hosting Random House representative,
Brian Nielsen, who will buzz about forthcoming books and
give readers the inside scoop on Spring 2015 titles. Advanced
Readers Copies, book catalogs, and Keep Calm and Read On tote bags will be
available for attendees. Register online at www.suffernfreelibrary.org.
the kids during Spring Break?
Borrow one of our 12 Museum
GROWING AND AGING: Short Stories Discussion Series
Passes. Consider visiting the
Wednesdays, May 6th, 13th, 20th, 27th from 1:30-3:00PM
Intrepid Sea, Air and Space
Museum, Children's Museum
A series of discussions, focused on the subject Growing and Aging In America, based on
of Manhattan, Stepping Stones
outstanding stories by such writers as Maya Angelou, Philip Roth, Katherine Ann Porter, Sandra
Museum for Children or South
Cisneros and Denise Levertov, and on contemporary references in popular culture and media, will
Street Seaport Museum. Call
be held at the Suffern Library in May. The discussions are sponsored by the New York Council for
us at 845-357-1237 to reserve
the Humanities and will be led by Dr. Ann Fey. Copies of the readings will be available at the
your pass.
library at a future date to be announced.
2015 BUDGET
2015-2016 Budget
Voting for an increase in funding for the 2015-2016 Suffern
budget and the 2016 Sloatsburg budget will be held on
Tuesday, March 24, 2015 from 9AM-9PM. The proposition
would provide an increase in the amount to be raised by
taxes of $46,937 for Suffern Free Library and $5,549 for
Sloatsburg Library, the two libraries that serve the residents
of the Ramapo Central School District. Suffern Free Library’s
amount to be raised by taxes represents a 1.26% increase
and the Sloatsburg Library’s budget represents a 1.5%
increase.
This is the first budget vote for Suffern and Sloatsburg in
two years. Last year, the Suffern Library Board of Trustees
decided to operate fiscal year 2014-2015 with the same
budget as the previous year, 2013-2014. A budget vote was
not held as there was no increase in the amount to be raised
by taxes. For the 2015-2016 fiscal year, several factors have
presented the need for additional funding. An increase in
the cost of insurance is a significant component in the
proposed budget. Additionally, as the building is reaching the
BUDGET
Current Budget
Proposed
(Fiscal 2013-2014)
(Fiscal 2015-2016)
$ 2,897,337
10,320
2,100
47,000
7,000
6,000
15,500
74,928
2,950
$ 3,063,135
$2,944,274
10,320
2,100
45,000
7,000
6,000
17,650
91,824
3,500
$3,127,668
Salaries
$ 1,397,798
Employee Benefits
334,350
Materials (books, CDs, periodicals
362,000
DVDs, etc)
Furniture & Equipment
26,500
Building Maintenance, utilities
274,000
and insurance
Library Operations (supplies, telephone
121,318
equipment rentals & maintenance contracts)
Computer & Network Maintenance
94,000
Other (programs, budget election)
36,050
Bond Debt Service
417,119
TOTAL
$ 3,063,135
1,432,744
364,855
369,100
15th year of service, maintenance costs to operate safely and
efficiently continue to grow. The Board of Trustees is
committed to protecting the community’s investment in the
building and grounds. Another area of growth in this budget
includes the rising costs of both technology and library
materials.
Reductions in the proposed budget were realized through
adjustments in building service contracts, as well as rental,
maintenance and repair of office equipment. Another factor
offsetting operating expenses is the use of fund balance in
the amount of $91,824.
The Library’s operating income is also supplemented with
funds raised by our book sale volunteers. Through their hard
work and dedication they earned $25,917 in 2014 which was
used to supplement our children’s summer reading
programming and to purchase materials and services.
Additional sources of income include grants as well as gifts.
Suffern Free Library is open 63 hours a week during the
academic year and is always available to you through our
website. Please visit us in person and through our web site
at www.suffernfreelibrary.org.
INCOME
Library tax
Village & New York State funds
Interest
Fines
Grants
Memberships
Other (rental, commissions, etc)
Applied surplus from prior year
Fundraising
TOTAL
EXPENSES
18,000
270,000
120,900
95,500
37,700
418,869
$ 3,127,668
VOTER INFORMATION
WHEN:
TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 2015
9AM-9PM
WHERE:
SUFFERN FREE LIBRARY
(for all those who have usually voted at the
Cherry Lane School, Hillburn Adm. Bldg., R.P.
Conner School or Suffern Middle School in
School District elections)
WHERE:
SLOATSBURG PUBLIC LIBRARY
(for all those who have usually voted at the
Sloatsburg Elementary School in School District
elections)
WHO:
Residents of the Ramapo Central School District
who are registered to vote in a general or
school district election
ABSENTEE BALLOTS:
Call for an absentee ballot application
(357-7783 ext. 224)
Voting on the Library Budget this year will be held on Tuesday, March 24th at the
Suffern Free Library, 210 Lafayette Avenue & the Sloatsburg Public Library, 1 Liberty Rock Rd.
2015 BUDGET
Highlights of 2014
ADULT SERVICES HIGHLIGHTS
CHILDREN’S HIGHLIGHTS
2014 was a great year with over one-million items being
checked in and out. The number of people attending Adult
Events was at an all-time high! We also introduced many
new online services.
2014 was another great year in the
Children’s Room! We are always looking
for new ideas and ways to improve our
service. Here are just a few highlights
from 2014:

7,872 people participated in 231 events such as
concerts, lectures, current events discussions, book
discussions, films and more

Received various grants to support adult programming
including funds from the New York Council for the
Humanities, The Book Sale Group, and the Kurz Family
which paid for 5 concerts for our Summer Concert
series

AARP Tax-Aide prepared 632 tax returns, an all time
high at our library

Meeting rooms were in use for 126 community
meetings, an increase from the previous year

50 adults participated in the Adult Summer Reading
Program, which included game sheets and prizes

We introduced Zinio, a digital magazine subscription
service which allows you to download the magazine
directly to your device for free and the magazine is
yours to keep!

We now offer Hoopla which gives cardholders the
opportunity to instantly stream or temporarily
download popular movies from major Hollywood
studios!


Our Museum Passes were borrowed 562 times!
We now offer passes to 12 museums including:
Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum, the
Guggenheim, the Brooklyn Museum, Children's
Museum of Manhattan, The Museum at Bethel Woods,
Museum of the City of New York, International Center
of Photography, Stepping Stones Museum for Children,
The Frick Collection, South Street Seaport Museum,
Hudson Valley Center for Contemporary Art and the
Storm King Art Center

6,191 children participated in
programs such as storytime, music programs, arts and
crafts, book discussions, and more!

706 total programs offered in
2014

Added Elementary Explorers for
kids in K-2nd grade

890 kids participated in Summer
Reading and we offered 119
programs over the summer!

The Build a Home Library program began with funding
from The Book Sale Group. Children (newborn-2nd
grade) that participate in storytime
are given a book at the end of the
sessions (three times a year). 2nd6th grade book discussion
participants also receive books to
keep after each book discussion.
 The game computers now
have new programs
 We have enhanced our collection by going
through each book one-by-one and repairing,
replacing or eliminating damaged items so that
our collection is clean and current
TEEN HIGHLIGHTS

638 teens participated in 41 programs throughout the
year. Our most popular programs are the Teen Lock-Ins
on Friday nights and the Suffern Teen Advisory Council.

Our PhASER book discussion group continues to meet
on a monthly basis

103 kids registered for our Summer Reading Program
which included 14 events such as a Lock-In Game
Night, Teen “Iron Chef,” “Hogwarts” Overnight Lock-in
and more!

The Young Adult
Room was
reconfigured to
make more space
for the expanding
collection
Now you can visit the library on Facebook
2014 FACTS & FIGURES


Library Cardholders



Library Visits
292,052
Total Items Checked Out
503,267
Materials Loaned to Other Libraries
35,048


Reference Questions
52,757
Use of Internet Computers
26,526
New Library Cards Issued
17,072
906
2015 BUDGET
April Events for Adults
CPR Class: Monday, April 6th from 6:30-8:30PM
Join local instructor Scott Kohn for this two-hour class on First
Aid, CPR and AED. $40 per person includes workbooks, DVD
and certification card. National Safety Council certification for
infant, child and adult CPR. This class is for adults, teens and
mature kids ages 12+. Register and pay in advance at the Adult
Information desk.
Realistic Dog Portrait in Pencil
Tuesday, April 7th from 11AM-3PM
Join pencil artist Pam Jones to learn various step-by-step graphite pencil techniques that will show you how to create a realistic drawing of a dog. This will be achieved by transforming a
line drawing using several applications focusing on line, value
and texture. All supplies are provided for use during the workshop. All levels are encouraged to attend. Please register
online. Space is limited. Teens welcome. (Participants may
bring a light lunch.)
Great Decisions Foreign Policy Discussion Group: Sectarianism
in the Middle East: Tuesday, April 7th at 7:15PM
Purchase the briefing book at the Adult Information Desk for
$25. Group meets on the first Tuesday of the month.
Unlocked: A Family Emerging from the Shadows of Autism
with Author Susan Levin: Wednesday, April 8th at 7PM
Unlocked begins with a vivid depiction of the author’s life with
her autistic son, Ben. Feelings of isolation, self-hate, and even
moments of hatred toward her own child in response to his
behaviors, as well as the impact on her marriage and younger
daughter, impel her to seek solutions for his condition. Through
years of trial and error, Susan eventually discovers methods
that bring about radical improvement in Ben.
tion. After a discussion of these topics, there will be activities
to practice what we’ve learned in class. The class will end with
a showing and review of all the photos taken during the class.
This workshop is meant to be a fun way to learn more about
digital photography in a relaxed environment. All skill levels
are welcomed. A digital camera is required for this class.
Please bring the manual, memory card, and extra batteries, as
well. Instructor: Nancy Lenore. Teens welcome. Register online.
Chair Yoga with Helene
Tuesdays, April 14th, 21st, 28th, May 5th at 11AM
If you have difficulty walking, bending or stretching, this class
will help open you up to movement. Instructor, Helene Byron,
was able to use yoga to regain her ability to walk after having
lost it due to a debilitating disease. She was eventually able to
become a certified yoga instructor. Register online once for all
four sessions.
End of Life Decisions: Completing Your Living Will and Healthcare Proxy: Tuesday, April 14th at 7PM
Maybe you’ve been putting it off because you’ve thought it was
too uncomfortable to confront. This workshop will present
ideas to help you make the choices that are right for you. Share
ideas on how to discuss these issues with your family. Register
online at www.suffernfreelibrary.org.
Medicine Garden: Thursday, April 16th at 7PM
The building of the Ramapough Medicine Garden at the Well
Field offers an opportunity to reclaim a damaged watershed
with both contemporary scientific methodology as well as indigenous knowledge. Chuck Stead leads this project along with
students and members of the Ramapough Nation.
Yellowstone in April: Thursday, April 9th at 1:30PM
Yellowstone National Park, established in 1872, is the first national park in the United States. It also has the distinction of
being the first national park in the world. In addition to the
geysers and hot springs that make this park so special, it is
home to a large variety of wildlife including bison, elk, coyotes,
wolves, and birds. Photographer, Ray Turkin, toured this park
in April, and brings us images of its natural beauty as the harsh
winter loses its grip and the snow begins to recede.
Spring Vegetative and Stylish Garden Designs with Fresh Cut
Flowers: Friday, April 17th at 1PM
Now that the garden is coming back to life there is an assortment of Springtime flowers and flowering branches that can be
used to create beautiful botanical displays. Ken Norman from
Colony Florist will present refreshing ideas that are sure to
dress up any table with bright, colorful flowers for the new
season. Watch as Ken uses branches, moss and vines to accent
arrangements of bulb flowers and garden blooms. Join us and
gather some springtime inspiration.
Downsizing: Senior Living Options: Thursday, April 9th at 7PM
Gemma Maver will discuss various senior living models and
options for people living in Rockland and Westchester. What
are the questions you should ask yourself and discuss with your
family before you make your decision? Come learn more!
Cooking with Theresa: Monday, April 20th at 1:30PM
Theresa Grimm, chef/owner of A Cook In My Kitchen, will show
you how to make a delicious and healthy Three Bean Vegan
Chili. Quick and easy but it tastes like it simmered for hours!
Register online at www.suffernfreelibrary.org.
Take Your Best Shot! Basic Photography Workshop:
Saturday, April 11th from 11AM-1PM
This 2-hour course will cover the basics of digital photography
including digital cameras, exposure and lighting, and composi-
Poetry Roundtable: Monday, April 20th at 7PM
If you love poetry or are a writer, join us at our informal poetry
roundtable. Bring 8 copies of your favorite poem to share with
the group. All are welcome.
2015 BUDGET
April Events for Adults
Adult Book Discussions

Tuesday, April 21st at 7:30PM: This is Where I Leave You
by Jonathan Tropper

Thursday, April 23rd at 3PM: The Invention of Wings by
Sue Monk Kidd
Painters of Paris: Impressionist’s Landscape Paintings to
Toulouse-Lautrec’s Posters
Wednesday, April 29th at 1PM
Art Historian, Irene Wisoff, presents a slide lecture showing
renowned artworks (Degas, Manet, Monet, Renoir, ToulouseLautrec) describing the “new society” after the fall of Louis
Napoleon's 2nd Empire until the beginning of the 20th century.
Hawks, Eagles and Owls: Rockland’s Birds of Prey
Wednesday, April 29th at 7PM
From the hawk scattering the birds at your feeders to the eagles soaring over the Hudson River, become familiar with our
many birds of prey. Beginners will learn about our resident
birds of prey, as well as the thousands of migrating raptors
that stream through Rockland each year. Presented by the
Rockland Audubon Society.
SUNDAY MUSIC CONCERTS
The Kootz: Sunday, April 12th at 1:30PM
Welcome this popular group of
Northern-NJ guys as they perform
classic rock and roll from the 1960’s
and 1970’s. Enjoy the music of the
Beatles, Crosby, Stills, Nash and
Young, Steve Winwood, Bob Dylan,
the Byrds, Rolling Stones, and
Creedance Clearwater Revival.
Classical Violin Recital with Akiko Kobayashi:
Sunday, April 26th at 1:30PM
New York violinist Akiko Kobayashi performs a classical violin
and piano duo recital of works
from Mozart to De Falla. Program includes one of Mozart's
early "Paris" sonatas, Beethoven, and set of Spanish folksongs by DeFalla.
April Events for Children
Programs are open to residents of the Ramapo Central School District. Register online one week in advance.
Walk-In Storytimes
Held the first and third Saturdays of the month.
 10:15AM for children up to age 3
 11:15AM for ages 3-6
3rd-6th Grade Arts & Crafts Club
Craft time will be held from 4:30-5:30PM Wednesdays:
 April 1: Zentangle Boxes
Register online one week prior to the program
date. An example will be available at the
Children’s Reference Desk.
Drop In Arts & Crafts Week
Drop in and make arts and crafts. Parents should
stay with children.
 April 6-11 from 10AM to 1/2 hour
before closing
Dance-O-Rama
Come dance and have lots of fun with Miss Jennifer. Learn the
bunny hop, the chicken dance and more! 3-5 year olds.
Register a week in advance.
 Friday, April 10 from 2PM
Discovery Zone: Flight and Float
For 3-5 year-olds. Registration begins April 6.


Mondays: April 13, 20, 27 at2PM OR
Thursdays: April 16, 23, 30 at 2PM
Elementary Explorers
For kindergarteners. Registration begins April 6.
 Wednesdays: April 15, 22, 29 from 4:30-5PM
For 1st-2nd Grade. Register April 6.
 Thursdays: April 16, 23, 30 from 4:30-5:15PM
Tween Book Discussion
Thursday from 7:30-8:15PM
 April 16: Wonder
Book will be available at the Children’s Reference
Desk one month in advance. Books are provided by
the Book Sale. Book Discussions are for grades 4-6.
Drop In Lego© Mania
 Saturday, April 25 from 10AM-4:30PM
Drop in and make your own creations from our giant Lego
supply. Parents must remain with children. Ages 4 and up.
Kidzprovisation
Children will discover the world of drama through this
imaginative improvisational program. For kids in grades K-2.
Please register for both dates a week in advance.
 Tuesday, April 21 and 28 from 5:00-5:45PM
SUFFERN FREE LIBRARY
2015 BUDGET NEWSLETTER
210 Lafayette Ave.
Suffern, NY 10901
Phone: (845) 357-1237
Fax: (845) 357-3156
Web: www.suffernfreelibrary.org
Email: askus@suffernfreelibrary.org
Trustees
Hours
Monday - Thursday: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Friday - Saturday:
10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sunday:
12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Library Closed: Sunday, April 5, 2015
Current Resident
Upcoming Book Sales
To better serve Suffern & Sloatsburg
Library cardholders, we are offering a
Carol Connell Cannon
rd
The Board of Trustees meets the fourth Tuesday
of the month at 8PM.
Open to the general public.
from 6:30 to 8:30PM.
This preview sale is exclusively for
cardholders and you must show your
library card to enter.
Our regular sales are as follows:
Friday, April 24
10AM to 4PM
Saturday, April 25
10AM-2PM
Wednesday Sales
Books 50¢ Each
3 for $1
Craig H. Long, President
Warren E. Berbit, V. President
Mario F. Pensa, Treasurer
Joyce Nencetti, Secretary
Donalee Berard
Christine Gigante
Kathleen J. Hugh
Amy MacKenzie
Michael Minevich
Director
Spring Preview Sale
on Thursday, April 23
Non-Profit Organization
U.S. Postage
PAID
Permit #1203
Monsey, NY
Suffern Free Library is at the center of community life providing
resources, innovative services and programs.
About the Suffern Free Library…
Established in 1926 by the Suffern Woman’s Club and housed in their clubhouse,
Suffern Free Library was granted provisional charter by the State of New York in
1926. The Library operated at the Woman’s Club site until 1941 when it moved to
its next home on the corner of Washington Avenue and Maple Avenue. Services
expanded with an addition in 1968, and later an added mezzanine. From this
7,000 square foot building, the Library moved to its present 37,000 square foot
location in April, 2000.
Suffern Free Library offers a wide variety of books, media, on-line resources and programs. It depends on the
support and generosity of the community to augment and enhance these basic materials and services. Your
annual donation will help us continue to meet the expanding needs of our community.
Name: ___________________________________________________________________________
Address: _________________________________________________________________________
City, State, Zip: ____________________________________________________________________
Email: __________________________________________ Phone: ___________________________
Donation: _______ $10 _______ $25 _______$50 _______ Other (please specify amount)
Contributions are tax deductible to the extent provided by law.