DIRECTOR'S MESSAGE

The Library in 2012

I’d like to thank the community for their ongoing support. The Library would not be the excellent organization that it is without the community’s enthusiasm for our services and the commitment you show by voting for the budget each year. Your elected Board of Trustees keeps a careful eye on expenditures and plans to make sure taxes are spent wisely and well and there is no waste.

This year the Library is facing challenges with our budget and we will be working to save money while maintaining a high quality of service. The state-mandated cost of pension contributions and health care has risen rapidly and our facilities have reached a stage that they need frequent maintenance because of age. The staff and the board of the Library are approaching these challenges with careful consideration to the needs of the community. We are making every effort to maintain excellent service and programming and take care of our facilities so the Library can serve Westbury and Carle Place for many years to come.

Please feel free to attend a Library Board meeting on the third Thursday of the month at 7:00 or visit me in my office at the Library. I welcome your comments about Library services and look forward to working with the community in 2012.

Cathleen A. Towey, Director

Upcoming Programs

SPECIAL INTERESTS

Twenty-Third African American Read-In

Sunday, February 5, 2:30
Works written by African-Americans will be read by school students. Participants please register at your school. Deadline for submission is January 20. Hospitality will be provided by members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Pi Pi Omega Chapter.

Meet the Psychic

Thursday, February 9, 7:00
Daniel Akner, master psychic and medium will entertain with his unique style and spot readings of audience members. Free, registration required.

Do You Want to be an Entrepreneur?

Monday, February 27, 7:00
This free introductory business planning course is open to all current or prospective small business owners. Find out if you are ready for business ownership and learn what is necessary in building your business dream. The process of developing a business plan for a successful, cash-healthy, and well managed business will be discussed. Presented by Community Development Corporation of L.I. Call 631 471-1215 Ext. 111 to register.

TAX ASSISTANCE

Tax Assistance from AARP

Wednesdays, February 8 - April 11, 9:30 - 1:00
AARP volunteers will help Westbury and Carle Place patrons 55 or older prepare basic tax returns. Bring a copy of last year’s return and W-2 forms.

Tax Assistance from VITA

Saturdays, February 11 - April 7, 9:30 - 12:30
VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) from Hofstra University’s Tax Society will be preparing free tax returns for Westbury and Carle Place residents of any age group. They will complete basic returns, along with any returns that may involve the following: pension income, disability income, and itemized deductions. Returns will be filed electronically only, using E-File. Advance registration begins December 27.

HEALTH & FITNESS

Free Blood Pressure Screening

Wednesday, February 8, 10:00 – 12:00
Conducted by St. Francis Hospital the second Wednesday of every month. No appointment necessary.

Zumba

Tuesdays, January 10, 17, 24, 31, February 7, 14, 21, 6:00 - 7:00
Experience this fun, exciting multidisciplinary workout with Debbie Pinsky, a Zumba certified instructor. Registration for Westbury and Carle Place residents begins December 27. Fee is $35, check or money order only payable to WMPL. Class limit 35.

Bodysculpt

Tuesdays, January 10, 17, 24, 31, February 7, 21, 28 from 7:30 - 8:30
This is a low-impact total body, Pilates based, core workout, using dumbbells. Bring 3-5 lb. dumbbells, mat and water. Instructor Lisa Didyk. Registration for Westbury and Carle Place residents begins December 27. Fee is $35 (check or money order only) payable to WMPL. Class limit 35.

COMPUTERS & TECHNOLOGY

Computer Clean Sweep

Monday, February 6, 7:00
Is your home computer acting up again? James Hutter will show you how to clean your computer of viruses and spyware. All software demonstrated is freely available. Free, no registration.

BOOK DISCUSSION

The Story of Beautiful Girl by Rachel Simon

Wednesday, February 1, 7:30
It is 1968. Lynnie, a young white woman with a developmental disability, and Homan, an African American deaf man, are locked away in an institution....so begins the 40-year epic journey of Lynnie, Homan, Martha, and baby Julia-lives divided by seemingly insurmountable obstacles, yet drawn together by a secret pact and extraordinary love.Discussion leader is C. Yvette Long, Librarian.

DRIVER SAFETY CLASSES

AARP Driver Safety

Saturday, January 28, 10:00 - 4:00
This six-hour defensive driving class is for seniors 50 years or older. Fee $17 for AARP members, $19 for nonmembers, payable to AARP, check or money order only. Write your AARP membership number on your check. Registration for Westbury and Carle Place residents begins December 27; out-of-district residents may register January 12. Class limit is 35.

Defensive Driving with Empire Safety Council

Saturday, February 4, 9:30 - 3:30
This six-hour class for any age group is taught at the Library for those individuals who wish to lower their points, premium, and drive safer. To register please call Mr. Anthony Palumbo at 631 254-6202 of Empire Safety Council, 63 East Lakeland Street, Bayshore, NY 11706. Class limit is 45, fee $28.

ESOL CLASSES

ESOL Classes now being held at the Library

Wednesdays, starting March 14, 7:00 - 9:00
Participants must make a one-time visit to register and get pre-tested at Literacy Nassau in Freeport. Call 516 867-3580 for an appointment and directions.

Clases de ESOL ahora en la Biblioteca

Miércoles, comenzando el 14 de marzo, 7:00 - 9:00
Los participantes de este programa tienen que visitar a Literacy Nassau en Freeport para registrarse y cojer un examen. Llamen al 516 867-3580 para obtener una cita y direcciones.

Klas ESOL nan Bibliyotèk la

Mèkredi, kòmanse, 14 mas 7:00 - 9:00
Patisipan yo dwe fè yon vizit yon sèl-fwa yo enskri epi pou yo jwenn pre-tès nan. Alfabetizasyon Nassau nan Freeport. Rele 516 867-3580 pou yon randevou ak direksyon yo.

MOVIES

Breaking Dawn, Part One

Friday, February 17, 6:00
In the highly anticipated fourth installment of the Twilight Saga, a marriage, a honeymoon, and the birth of a child bring unforeseen and shocking developments for Bella, Edward and young werewolf Jacob Black. Rated PG-13, 117 minutes

Puss in Boots

Saturday, February 25, 2:00
You loved him in Shrek? Now see where the one and only swashbuckling feline found his fame. Lover, fighter, and outlaw Puss in Boots is off on the adventure of his nine lives as he teams up with Kitty Softpaws and Humpty Dumpty for the ultimate showdown with the notorious Jack and Jill. Rated PG, 90 minutes

Hop

Saturday, March 24, 2:00
He was destined to be the Easter Bunny, but all he wanted to do was rock! When teenage E.B. leaves for Hollywood to follow his dream of becoming a rock star drummer, he meets Fred, a slacker with his own lofty goals. The two encounter hilarious mishaps and help each other recognize the importance of family. Rated PG, 96 minutes

HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF THE WESTBURYS

HISTORICAL Cottage Hours

Historical artifacts and archives about the Westbury area. Archivist Susan Kovarik will be available to answer your questions. Call 333-0176 for an appointment. The Cottage is open:

Wednesdays: 10:00 - 1:00
Thursdays: 1:00 - 5:00
First Saturday of every month from 12:00 - 4:00.

When Westbury Won the Senior League World Title

Sunday, February 19, 2:30
Tom Donohue, who played (baseball) in the Westbury Senior League winning games, will tell about his and his teammates experiences in this exciting event which took place 45 years ago. Mr. Donohue will also show pictures and other memorabilia. The Westbury team had to fly to Des Moines, Iowa, where they won four straight games to take the championship title for the Senior League. The August 24, 1967, Westbury Times reported on the returning champions and the welcoming activities of their proud community.

Oral History Project

The Historical Society is starting an oral history project to interview long-time residents of Westbury, Old Westbury, New Cassel and Carle Place. To participate contact Susan Kovarik at the Cottage.

Westbury Walking Tour

The Historical Society has created a self-guided walking tour pamphlet, “Westbury History in Stride.” It is not necessary to do the walking to enjoy reading and remembering some of the places which were part of Westbury’s history. The tour begins at the Quaker Meeting House with the A.M.E. Zion Church as another of the many points of interest. Copies are available at the cottage for a voluntary donation.

ON GOING

Museum Passes for Westbury Library Cardholders

With your Westbury Library card you can borrow a family pass to:

Old Westbury Gardens
Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum
Long Island Children's Museum

Please see each pass for specific details. Only one pass per family at any one time.

Credit Cards Accepted

You can now pay your library fines/fees through the My Account feature of the online catalog, using a Visa or MasterCard credit card. The minimum payment is $5.00. We hope this convenient new feature enhances your library experience.

Used Books in Beautiful Condition Being Accepted

In an effort to increase funding for the Library, we will be accepting donations of books in great condition to resell to the public. Books may be dropped off at the circulation desk. Thank you!

Laptops are available for public use!

Patrons with valid identification and matching credit card will have access to loaner laptops for use within the library. For more information, see a staff member at the Technology Desk.

We've Got WiFi

Use your own wireless laptop at the Westbury Library. No waiting, no fuss. Coverage includes the Adult Library, Children's Library and Courtyard.

Interloans

Want a book that is currently checked out? Westbury/Carle Place Library patrons may interloan materials online or at the Reference Desk. Patrons are emailed when their material is available and can retrieve it at the library’s self-service pick-up area.

English for Speakers of Other Languages

For further information about these free ESOL classes call 516 874-1834 or 516 876-5027. You must be 18 years of age to register.

Clases de ESOL – Gratis

Ingles para los que hablan otro idioma. Para registrase o para más informacion llame al (516) 874-1834. Usted necesita tener 18 años de edad para registrarse.

Click here for a copy of the Westbury Memorial Public Library Newsletter in PDF format.