North Merrick Library Board Candidate: Marion Schurade

My name is Marion Schurade and I am seeking re-election on Wednesday, April 24, 2013 to the position of Library Trustee of the North Merrick Public Library.  

I have enjoyed working cooperatively with four other library trustees and the library director over the past several years and would like the opportunity to continue that work as library trustee.

Many changes have taken place at the library since my having become a trustee. The biggest change with the most impact was the search and hiring of our present director, Mr. Tom Witt.

Through the efforts of the library board, director and staff, many improvements have been made during my tenure, including that the Library:

• Adopted a new logo for the library
• Brought in Wi-Fi internet access
• Began to offer e-books that can be downloaded to personal e-Readers
• Implemented, as one of the very first libraries in Nassau County, a program to lend Nooks, Sony Readers and Kindles to the community
• Introduced Keychain Library Cards
• Improved the library website
• Introduced an improved library newsletter
• Expanded the sections for Classic Films and TV series DVDs
• Introduced Wii Games and BluRay DVDs  to the library’s collection
• Added the American Airpower Museum Pass and Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery & Aquarium, Intrepid to the museum passes offered by the library
• Introduced a Book-Club-In-A-Bag Program
• Began offering free notary service to the community
• Added a Fax machine for public use
• Introduced a homebound library delivery service
• Expanded the Young Adult space
• Renovated the two large bathrooms and replaced the library’s roof , partially funding the projects with NYS Construction Aid grant funds
• Replaced a pay telephone with a free courtesy phone for local calls
• Acquired 90 comfortable chairs for use during library programs