The approved 2013 library operating tax levy is $6,434,764. The owner of a $150,000 home in the city of Albany will pay about an extra $5.62 for the library next year. The estimated homestead rate for the 2013 library tax is $1.48 per $1,000 of assessed value.

“Albany Public Library provides an essential community service for the residents of Albany. In today’s economic climate, when so many people are struggling, it is gratifying to know the citizens of Albany support our ongoing efforts to educate, entertain, and empower the community,” said Executive Director Carol Nersinger. “The library board and staff truly appreciate the ongoing support of Albany’s residents. Their ‘yes’ votes will allow us maintain the buildings, services, and programs of our award-winning library system.”

The 2013 budget, which was approved by the library’s Board of Trustees in March, offers taxpayers a balanced and comprehensive plan that supports the staffing and operational costs required to maintain the recently expanded system of seven neighborhood libraries. The budget also supports a wide range of ongoing library services including access to a large and diverse collection of books, DVDs, CDs, audio books, and e-books; public computer access and Wi-Fi at all locations; public programs including story times, computer classes, financial literacy workshops, music performances, book reviews, and lectures; and use of community meeting rooms.

Voters also elected three library trustees: Mary-Ellen Piché, Arlene Way, and Daniel Curtis. The new trustees will begin five-year terms in July. The newly elected trustees replace Dennis Gaffney, Mary Ellen O’Connor, and Leonard Ricchiuti on the board.

The place order, candidates, and vote totals were:
1.  Mary-Ellen Piché          2,101
2.  Arlene Way                     2,059
3.  Daniel Curtis                  1,873
4.  Vince Quackenbush    1,680

You can learn more about the budget, trustee candidates, and voting locations here:

+ Information packet about the budget and trustee candidates

+ Proposed 2013 budget

+ List of voting locations (by ward and district)

+ Searchable directory to locate your ward/district and voting location

MONDAY, MAY 14

+ Drop in to the computer lab at the Main Library between 9 am and 5 pm for one-on-one help with job searches and computer skills. For more information, call 427-4325.

+ Kids can make paper bag pinatas at 4 pm at the Bach Branch as part of our monthly Culture Crafts program.

TUESDAY, MAY 15

+ Please take time today to vote on the library’s budget and three trustee seats. Polling places are open from 7 am til 9 pm. More information is available on our “about” page.

+ Local author David Pietrusza discusses “1948: Harry Truman’s Improbable Victory and the Year that Transformed America” at 12:15 pm at the Main Library. This is a Friends of Albany Public Library book talk.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 16

+ The Comic Book Club debuts at the Delaware Branch at 4 pm. Kids and teens meet to share their favorite comic books and graphic novels, and even create their own.

+ Bring a favorite poem to share aloud at the Arbor Hill/West Hill Branch poetry slam at 6:30 pm. This month’s slam features local poets: Sabrina Bibbs, Velvet Garriques, Edward Harper, Gloria Jimpson, Yolanda Lee, and Charles Spencer.

THURSDAY, MAY 17

+ Preschoolers enjoy story time at the North Albany Branch at 10:30 am.

+ Get a sneak preview of the Albany Institute’s “Mystery of the Albany Mummies” exhibit in this special 90-minute presentation. It starts at 3:30 pm at the Pine Hills Branch and is appropriate for children and adults. All participants receive a free pass to the Institute.

FRIDAY, MAY 18

+ Enjoy a prevue performance by the Albany Symphony Orchestra at noon at the Main Library.

SATURDAY, MAY 19

+ The Bach Branch has special activities today during the Helderberg Neighborhood Association Spring Spree celebration that runs from 11 am til 2 pm.

We’ve got a few cool programs on tap. Plus you can pick up some great reads or DVDs to enhance your weekend fun.

Friday: Mother’s Day is almost here. Bring your little ones to the North Albany Branch from 3 to 5 pm to make a craft for that special mom in their lives.

Saturday: Bring the kids to see “Happy Feet Two” and enjoy more penguin musical adventures. Snacks too! The showing starts at 2 pm at the Arbor Hill/West Hill Branch on Henry Johnson Boulevard.

Sunday: Watch “The Vow” starring Channing Tatum and Rachel McAdams on the big screen. The movie starts at 2 pm at the Main Library (in the large auditorium) on Washington Avenue.

The public will have an opportunity to learn more about the proposed 2013 budget and four Board of Trustee candidates before the May 15 vote.

More information is also available online:

Details about the budget and trustee candidates

Proposed 2013 budget

List of voting locations

Searchable street directory to find your voting location

Albany city residents go to the polls Tuesday, May 15, to vote on the Albany Public Library 2013 tax levy and to choose three new members for the Board of Trustees.

The proposed 2013 operating tax levy of $6,434,764 reflects a 2.6 percent increase, which falls within the property tax cap formula as directed by the NYS Comptroller. If approved by voters, this increase would mean that the owner of a $150,000 home would pay approximately $5.62 more per year for the library, or 11 cents a week.

“We feel this is a prudent and fiscally responsible budget that will allow us to maintain services at our seven neighborhood libraries,” said Library Executive Director Carol Nersinger. The budget was approved by the Board of Trustees, a nine-member group that oversees library operations and is elected by voters.

Also on the ballot May 15 is the election of three members of the library’s Board of Trustees. Four candidates are running for three seats on the library board, all of which carry full five-year terms. The candidates, listed in ballot order, are: Arlene Way of Second Street, Daniel Curtis of Spring Street, Vince Quackenbush of Stanwix Street, and Mary-Ellen Piché of Elm Street. The open seats are currently held by Dennis Gaffney, Mary Ellen O’Connor, and Leonard Ricchiuti, all of whom are leaving the board when their terms conclude on June 30.

The public is invited to a budget presentation and candidate forum at the Main Library on Wednesday, May 9, at 6 p.m. Library leaders will present the proposed 2013 budget, and the trustee candidates will speak to the public.

On May 15, polls are open from 7 a.m. until 9 p.m.

For details about the budget, candidates, and polling locations, visit: www.albanypubliclibrary.org/about

Seminars for homebuyers and homeowners include:

• Homebuyer 101
• NYSERDA Energy Efficiency Programs
• How to Hire a Contractor

Participants can also get free consultations:

• Legal advice
• Credit reports and reviews
• Mortgage checkups

Close to 20 exhibitors—including banks and credit unions, home inspectors, land trusts and housing alliances, mortgage advisors, realtors, and assistance agencies—are scheduled to provide information and advice on a one-to-one basis.

The Capital Region Housing Fair is hosted by Affordable Housing Partnership of the Capital Region and HomeSave. Event sponsors are:  Albany Housing Authority; Albany Public Library; Bank of America; Community Realty; First Niagara; Ianniello, Anderson, Sciocchetti & Reilly, P.C.; M&T Bank; Metroland; NBT Bank; SEFCU; and SONYMA.

For more information about the housing fair, call 434-1730.

The candidates are (in ballot order):

1. Arlene Way of Second Street (12210)

2. Daniel Curtis of Spring Street (12210)

3. Vince Quackenbush of Stanwix Street (12209)

4. Mary Ellen Piche of Elm Street (12202)

The candidate election is on Tuesday, May 15, in conjunction with the library’s budget vote.

The library is hosting a meet-the-candidate forum and budget presentation on Wednesday, May 9, at 6 pm at the Main Library.

Updated budget vote and candidate election information will be posted on the library’s website this week.

This free event is for expectant parents and families with children ages five and under. The event is designed to encourage parents to read to their little ones and to provide the adults with parenting resources, all within the fun atmosphere of a baby shower.

There will be lots of fun activities for the grownups including: a free book and special tote bag, shower games and prizes, free family portraits, parenting information from local organizations, raffles, library card sign-up and replacement library cards, and more. The children will enjoy crafts and stories. There will also be refreshments for all participants.

For more information, please call the Main Library Children’s Department at 427-4310.