Briarcliff Manor Public Library

Our patrons continue to enjoy the expanded hours of library usage on Sundays (except August), as well as extended hours on Friday and Saturday afternoons.

Our mission continues to be “Patrons First”, and this focus has driven every Board conversation and decision including cost containment efforts, seeking alternate revenue sources, partnering with outside service providers, maintaining our collection and increasing programming variety. The Board has also focused on improving the usage of our space, staff scheduling, altering hours of operation in response to patron needs and interests, as well as insuring compliance with the Library Charter and village policies.

Our community tax dollars support the library. Staff costs are the largest component of our budget with 72.8% ($441.5K) of the 2014/2015 library budget ($606.5K) allocated to salaries, health care, benefits and retirement expenses. Fixed costs represent an additional $112.5K of the library budget including Operations, Village Expenses, and Westchester Library System fees, leaving approximately 9% of the budget for new books (hardcover, paperback, reference materials), eBooks) audio books, Playaways, CDs, DVDs, Blu-rays, newspapers, magazines and programming. For the fiscal year ending May 31, 2016, we project these percentages will remain relatively consistent with last year.

Providing patrons with a broad collection (including the latest titles in fiction and nonfiction, current DVDs and books on CD, paperbacks, magazines for browsing and a variety of large print books) remains a strong priority.

While patrons continue to enjoy book clubs, we have seen significant strong and growing patron attendance at meaningful children’s and teen programming. At our second annual WLS Battle of the Books, organized for our library by our Children and Teens Librarian, Amy Kaplan, our teens won their division! Their trophy is on display at the library. High school students and their parents have benefited from the college preparatory information sessions presented, and we have widened our offerings to provide patrons with even greater variety.

Emphasizing a wider breadth of non-book club programs is essential and feasible given that our community is blessed with a virtual treasure trove of skilled artisans, entrepreneurs, accomplished business executives, teachers/professors and health care providers. We welcome community members willing to donate their precious time and knowledge by contributing their skills in meaningful ways including presenting programs or hosting discussions or activities. We also continue to look for volunteers with expertise in graphic design, public relations, technical or audio visual experience, to name a few.

THANK YOU to the Friends of the Library for raising and donating $1 million over the last several years toward the library and community center expansion. THANK YOU for your continued support of our Library which enriches our lives in countless ways.