Some days the Sloatsburg Public Library parking lot is so full that it makes one want to pull over to see what’s going on. Community participation is at the top of the list of the Library’s Manager Annmarie McAnany.

“The Library is so much more than books these days,” McAnany said recently about the direction that public libraries are taking. “We really are a community center and all you need is your library card to take advantage of all the activities and services.”

Local residents will vote on both the Sloatsburg and Suffern Library budgets on Tuesday, March 24, from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., at either library. Sloatsburg has requested a budget increase of approximately $5,500 which represents a 1.5% budget increase, with a total proposed budget of some $410,300.

From the latest DVD movies and music CDs to books on tape or digital downloads, to childrens’ activities, craft classes, book clubs, or just plain reading books themselves, the Sloatsburg Library is a hive of local activity.

Members of a Sloatsburg Public Library contingent recently traveled to Albany, NY to meet with representatives about local library issues and funding opportunities. NYS Senator David Carlucci welcomed Sloatsburg Library Trustee Darrell Frasier and Library Manager Annmarie McAnany onto the Senate floor.

McAnany, who built up Summer Reading participation as longtime head of children’s programming, was tapped to lead the Library by the Board of Trustees last spring with the sudden resignation of Mary Blake — who herself was with the library for many years.

“I’m very excited about the direction the Library is moving,” McAnany said, touching on the various new staff members, including Laura Van Ham, a NYS Certified teacher who has taken over children’s programs, and the roll out of services such as Homework Help and new programs booked by Sue Melnyk, who also produces the library’s quarterly newsletter.

“Our schools have lost so much due to budget cuts,” said McAnany, “and that impacts local children and parents. There is no more homework help available at Sloatsburg Elementary School or elementary school librarians, for that matter. Who picks up the slack? We want to,” she said. “We want to be both a community and educational center.”

McAnany was recently invited to represent the Ramapo Catskills Library Systems and Sloatsburg Public Library at a June PLA national conference in San Fransisco as one of only 50 libraries that will participate in the workshops. Those participating will then bring their skills back and teach the other libraries in their system. Libraries in Chester and Wallkill were also selected. McAnany was chosen based on her application and the recommendation of RCLS Executive Director Robert Hubsher.

Visit the Sloatsburg Library website and use the library value calculator to measure the costs and value of your local library participation.