Author: Robin Avolio

Re-opening Update

Curbside service is now available at the library!

Open Monday through Friday from 2pm to 6pm during this phase of our re-opening.

Call (607) 859-2420 during our new temporary hours to reserve items and make an appointment. Local items only. Inter-library loans will be available soon.

No access to the building yet. Please meet us at the front door for a safe no-contact transaction.

See you soon!

Emergency Board Meeting

The South New Berlin Free Library Board of Trustees will hold an emergency meeting Thursday, May 7, 2020, at 6:30 p.m.

We will be hosting this public meeting via telephone conference call.

All are welcome to attend this public meeting. To attend, please call toll-free 1-866-579-8110 and enter passcode 521887 when prompted.

Quarterly Board Meeting

The South New Berlin Free Library Board of Trustees will hold our quarterly board meeting Tuesday, April 21, 2020, at 6:30 p.m.

In compliance with the Governor’s Executive Order No. 202.1 amending the law, we will be hosting this public meeting via telephone conference call.

All are welcome to attend this public meeting. To attend, please call toll-free 1-866-579-8110 and enter passcode 521887 when prompted.

Emergency Board Meeting

The South New Berlin Free Library Board of Trustees will hold an emergency meeting Thursday, March 26, 2020, at 6:30 p.m.

In compliance with the Governor’s Executive Order No. 202.1 amending the law, we will be hosting this public meeting via telephone conference call.

All are welcome to attend this public meeting. To attend, please call toll-free 1-866-579-8110 and enter passcode 521887 when prompted.

Library Closed

The South New Berlin Free Library will be closed March 16 – 29.

This was a difficult decision in response to the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic. The Unadilla Valley Central School has announced an extended closure. The New York Library Association has recommended that public libraries suspend public operations. The Four County Library System has suspended inter-library loans as of March 17.

We apologize for the inconvenience this may cause to our patrons.

Here are the steps we are taking to minimize the impact:

  • Free Wi-Fi will be available 24/7.
  • Fines for overdue items will be waived.
  • Our outdoor book drop will remain open for returns.
  • Please consider the free selection of eBooks and audiobooks available with your library card through the Overdrive and Libby apps at 4cls.org.
  • DayByDayNY is a great free source of learning activities and a daily story for families of young children.
  • Access Flipster from 4cls.org for free access to full-page e-magazines with your library card.
  • We will have a public meeting before March 29th to re-evaluate and decide how to proceed.

The Director will be monitoring the library voicemail daily. If you have questions or have difficulties accessing the library’s online resources, please call (607) 859-2420 and leave a message. Calls will be returned within one business day.

For updates on the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic, please choose reliable sources offering accurate scientific information. We recommend:

From all of us at SNBFL, be safe and stay informed. We hope to resume serving our community as soon as possible.

Please Support Our Capital Campaign

Fellow Community Members:

South New Berlin Free Library is launching a capital campaign to raise funds for an addition to our building.

  • Our proposed project is to add an 18′ x 26′ wing to the south side of the existing library creating a wonderful space for community events. The cost of this undertaking is approximately $282,824 and our funding approach is two-fold. First, we have received a $187,682 grant from the Four County Library System, second, we are asking the community and local businesses and the library to donate $95,142. Together the entire community can benefit with no increase in taxes.
  • This addition will provide residents with enhanced library services, such as additional space for programs open to the general public, an increase in the number of books we provide, much needed storage, and a handicap accessible bathroom included in this community room. Please see the drawing. This addition will be open to the general public to use for meetings such as senior citizens, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, craft classes, space for new book/DVD collections, educational courses provided by county organizations or businesses.
  • Our intent is to create the addition while preserving the look of the original building as well as offering an outdoor patio for reading and windows that allow maximum sunlight to enhance the welcoming atmosphere.
  • The Library Board has not requested an increase in taxes for the past three years and our goal is to not raise them for this project. We respectfully ask you to consider donating to your South New Berlin Free Library to help us achieve this goal.
  • You can donate right on the Library website at libraries.4cls.org/southnewberlin or send a check or money order to the South New Berlin Free Library, PO Box 9, South New Berlin NY 13843.

We would be happy to provide you with a receipt for tax purposes for your charitable contribution.

The South New Berlin Free Library Board of Trustees thanks you for your commitment to our community!

SEE OUR CAPITAL PROJECT DONORS

Trustee Openings for 2020

The South New Berlin Library will be accepting names of interested persons for 2020 Trustee Openings for the Library Board. Questionnaires are available on the Library website and in the Library beginning Nov. 20th. Please return the form to the Library by the deadline of December 16, 2019. Trustee elections will be held by the current Board on Jan. 14, 2020. Any questions please call (607) 859-2420.

Trustee Candidate Questionnaire