Library Board of Trustees and Library Budget are on the ballot May 18.
Albany city residents go to the polls Tuesday, May 18, to vote on the Albany Public Library 2011 tax levy and to choose two new members for the Library Board of Trustees.

It is critical that everyone get out to vote.  If you need more information regarding the candidates or the budget click on the following link  http://www.albanypubliclibrary.org/news/?p=236  or attend a budget presentation and candidate forum at the Main Library on Wednesday, May 12, at 7 p.m. Library leaders will present the proposed 2011 budget, and the five trustee candidates will speak to the public..

The following are some facts found in the Libraries eNotes:

Budget Facts and Figures
Polls are open on Tuesday, May 18, from 7 a.m. until 9 p.m. for voters to cast their ballots on the proposed 2011 library tax levy of $7,037,277. This reflects a 4.9 percent increase in the annual library tax levy. If approved by voters, this increase would mean that the owner of a $100,000 home would pay approximately $5.71 more per year, or less than two cents a day.

"We feel this is a prudent, fiscally responsible budget that will allow us to continue to build the infrastructure necessary to support seven full-service libraries in Albany, including our five wonderful new neighborhood libraries," said Library Executive Director Carol Nersinger. The budget was approved last month by the Board of Trustees, a nine-member group that oversees library operations and is elected by voters.

Also on the ballot May 18 is the election of two members of the library's Board of Trustees. The candidates, listed in ballot order, are: Jose Lopez, Mary (Mimi) Mounteer, Roberta Sims, Robert Chaumont, and Esther Patterson.

The library will host a budget presentation and candidate forum on Wednesday, May 12, at 7 p.m. at the Main Library. The public is encouraged to attend.

Library leaders are discussing the budget at various neighborhood association meetings in April and May, and will present at the CANA meeting on May 5. More detailed budget and candidate information will soon be available on our website and at all library locations.



Closing in on Bach Branch Grand Opening

Just 18 days and counting until the grand opening of Albany's newest neighborhood library. The John J. Bach Branch Library at 455 New Scotland Avenue (next to the Engine 11 Fire Station) celebrates its grand opening in style on Saturday, May 15. The free community party kicks off at 12:30 p.m. with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and remarks by the mayor and library leaders. The Bach Branch party also includes musical entertainment, refreshments courtesy of Price Chopper, giveaways, and more fun for the whole family. Weather permitting, we'll be able to take advantage of the great front patio and rear story garden for many of the party activities. The library celebration is happening in conjunction with the New Scotland Spring Spree event, so there are plenty of reasons to visit the new library and surrounding neighborhood on May 15. Stay tuned for more details about the Bach party activities schedule.



Arbor Hill/West Hill Opening Next in Line

The stunning Arbor Hill/West Hill Branch Library at 148 Henry Johnson Boulevard will open on Saturday, June 12, with a free celebration for the entire community. Library supporters will have a chance to get a sneak peek at this impressive building -- which includes floor-to ceiling windows, an interior garden wall, colorful and contemporary design scheme, and bright and airy spaces -- on Thursday, May 27, at a special evening fundraising reception. Invitations will be going out soon, so watch your mail, and e-Notes, for details.



Please remember to exercise your civic duty and vote on the library budget and trustee candidates on Tuesday, May 18. And, make plans to join us for the community parties celebrating the Bach Branch opening on May 15 and the Arbor Hill/West Hill Branch opening on June 12.





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Albany Public Libraries
Acoustic Sidewalk Concerts Start April 16
Warm breezes, bright sunshine, and cool tunes are on the set list for our new Acoustic Sidewalk concert series. The free afternoon concerts will take place on outdoor patios and sidewalks at the city's libraries during warm-weather months.

The second Acoustic Sidewalk concert is set for Friday, April 30, at noon featuring the Jody Shayne Trio at the Main Library at 161 Washington Avenue. The group will perform original jazz compositions, perfect for celebrating Jazz Appreciation Month.


We've got many more Acoustic Sidewalk shows on tap for Albany's neighborhood libraries. Stay tuned for additional concert dates.

Bookends Used Book Store Opens April 20

Book lovers will soon have a new place to buy good quality, low cost, gently used books. Bookends, Albany Public Library's used book store, will open to the public on Tuesday, April 20, at 5 p.m. at the Main Library, 161 Washington Avenue.

Bookends houses more than 2,000 gently used books, including volumes of fiction and nonfiction for adults and children. The store will initially be open on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 5 to 7 p.m. The bookstore collection will be priced at $1 (mass market paperbacks), $3 (trade paperbacks), and $5 (hard covers). The library plans to expand the hours of operation in the future. Proceeds from Bookends will support projects and activities not covered by the library's operating budget. Many of the books for sale in Bookends come from generous donations by library patrons.

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Do you know of someone facing difficulties with their mortgage? The worst thing is to do nothing. Let them know about the HomeSave Coalition and our FREE clinics. HomeSave is a very active coalition of 14 organizations working to prevent foreclosures by offering education, counseling, lender negotiation and legal help to owners and tenants. Foreclosures are terrible for families and neighborhoods. If you know of homeowners that could benefit from meeting with an attorney or well-trained housing counselor, please have them call 518-434-1730 to register for the April 15 clinic

Grand Street Community Arts (GSCA). Vacant Lot Project. Seeking proposals for projects that will benefit the community on selected vacant lots in Albany's South End. Responses are due by April 9, 2010. Email proposals to vacantlotproject@grandarts.org. Clikck here for more detail regarding the vacant lot project. This is a volunteer project in the spirit of Grand Street Community Arts' mission to foster "unity and connection," in the community and to "encourage ar as a natural tool of expression available to everyone."

Bicycle Lock Program. Albany Police Department Bicycle Lock Program is once again sponsoring a bicycle anti-theft program. For application or more information call the Albany Police Department at 518-438-4000.

Healthy Living Partnerships, provides breast exam, mammogram, pat test, colorectal screening, prostate education. You may be eligible for Free cancer screening. Please call 518-454-4000 for more information.