What to know before the Franklin Square library election on May 16

The Franklin Square Public Library is proposing a $2.8 million budget for 2023-24 — a roughly $94,000 increase over the current year.

In an annual budget newsletter to the community, library Director Aviva Kane detailed what the board has accomplished so far and what can be expected for next year.

“Our new motto encompasses our plan in just a few words: to strengthen our community through exceptional service, enriching programs, and lifelong learning,” Kane stated in the newsletter.

Kane listed some notable accomplishments of the library this year, which included creating a Library of Things — a collection of non-traditional circulating items library card holders can reserve and borrow, such as a Nintendo Switch, Bluetooth speaker, projector screen, T-Mobile hotspot and more.

This year the library board also refurbished the meeting and craft rooms, designed new library cards, distributed free Covid test kits, and increased services to its teenage patrons.

There has also been a growing partnership with the Franklin Square School District, including a successful after-school Homework Help program with National Honor Society students.

According to the newsletter, the proposed library budget reflects the ongoing commitment and fiscal responsibility of the board of trustees in providing quality services to the community.

Two board candidates are running for the five-year trustee term this year — incumbent Carl Gerrato and challenger Joseph Yossi Oren.

Gerrato and his family have roots in Franklin Square that date back over 100 years.

He raised five children in the district and has served as a law enforcement officer and first responder for over 30 years.

He has held several leadership positions in a variety of organizations, including as the Franklin Square Civic Association, the Civilian Patrol, the Chamber of Commerce, the Historical Society and others.

In these roles, he has been responsible for daily operations, strategic planning and financial management.

Gerrato said his top priorities are to continue to enhance the accessibility and diversity of the library’s services while ensuring fiscal stability and oversight for the taxpayers.

He said he supports developing more community partnerships, expanding library hours and meeting spaces, and encouraging more STEM activities and community social work services.

“I am dedicated to advocating locally and with New York State for funding to ensure that Franklin Square Library has access to the best resources and programs,” Gerrato said.

Oren is also active in the Franklin Square community. Before retiring, he worked in sales for over 23 years. He then dove into civil service, specializing in building cleaning and maintenance. He also has extensive knowledge in the real estate and mortgage business.

For the past 30 years, Oren has been a member and served on the boards of organizations such as the H. Frank Carey Dad’s Club/PTSA, the Franklin Square Civic Association, the Community League of Garden City South, the Franklin Square Memorial Day Parade committee, and the Sons of Italy.

Oren also aided in upgrades to the inside and outside of the Franklin Square Library building, including the complete renovation to the Young Adult section.

If elected, Oren wants to focus on increasing book circulation and expanding the library’s community involvement. He said he hopes to improve working conditions for employees, make the library more eco-friendly, and create a better prioritized library spending plan in case of any unforeseen emergency repairs.

“I would love to dedicate extra time to better our library,” Oren said. “My goal is to improve as many aspects as possible of our community life by making the library an essential hub in such a way that it will not only affect our lives today, but also in years to come.”

To view the Franklin Square Public Library’s full 2023-24 spending plan, visit franklinsquarepl.org/about-us/budget.