Assemblyman Charles D. Lavine recently presented the Plainview-Old Bethpage Library with a state grant in the amount of $2,750.
This year, according to library director Gretchen Browne, Lavine was able to present two grants to the library through the Friends of the Library.
The first grant, which was for $2,000, was used by the Friends of the Library to purchase Mango, a database that teaches the user a foreign language and is available free of charge, both in the library or remotely 24/7, for all cardholders, and added $1,000 to offset the library’s cost of tutor.com, the online homework help database.
This most recent grant will be used by the Friends to purchase two new benches in the new circulation lobby and to present a special cultural event for the community in the spring.
“Assemblyman Lavine has always been a true friend of the Plainview-Old Bethpage Library,” said Browne. “For many years he has been instrumental in securing funding, attending programs and lectures regularly and truly caring about our community. On behalf of the friends of the library, the board of trustees and the staff, I would like to thank him for his generosity and good spirit.”
Lavine said, “The Plainview-Old Bethpage Library is a wonderful centerpiece of the community. It provides something for all segments of the community and works to update its facilities with the newest technology, provide programs of interest and present exhibits of local artists and cultural events. It is truly a community resident’s home-away-from home.”
Since first elected as the New York State Representative, Friends president Anna Goidell and former library trustee Eugene Goidell eagerly reached out to Assemblyman Lavine to expound upon the worthiness of the Friends Mission.
“Without a doubt Assemblyman Lavine has proven himself to be a Friend in the true sense of the word,” said Carol Meschkow, publicity co-chair and the acting president of the Friends of the Library. “Over and over again Chuck Lavine has demonstrated his commitment and generosity to our Library and community with programming grants for the past three years that have enabled the Friends of the Library to bring culturally enriching programs such as internationally acclaimed composer, pianist and arranger Jeffery Biegel, to the community. This year he went above and beyond in awarding us funding for programming as well as electronics. In these difficult economic times the Friends are honored that our Assemblyman continues to support our 5-star library.”
