To the Editor:

Place me in the chorus of support for the staff of the Guilderland Public Library.

During 2017, while my wife and I were deliberating the terrific benefits of relocating to Altamont and moving close to our daughter and grandchildren, which we agreed would be beneficial to all of us, I regretted leaving behind the 44 years of outstanding service from the most accommodating staff of the Nassau County Library System.

My wife and I have been avid, if plodding, readers throughout our almost 50 years of marriage, and one of the singular pleasures of my retirement in 2005 was the extra visits, usually two to three times each week, I could then make to “check out” new books and library services.

Our move here has been very satisfying in many ways, and my participation in the programs of the Guilderland Public Library and my regular encounters with the library staff (still two to three times each week) have been terrific.

The clerks and librarians are always knowledgeable and pleasant. I have received invaluable assistance in conducting a “Basic Conversation” class for new English speakers at the library and several students have explained how they enjoy the library services and staff.

My grandson and I together thoroughly enjoyed attending Ms. Anne’s preschool reading program at the Altamont library, and we often praise the kindness and special assistance shown to us by Mr. Joe Burke, Altamont’s library director, who enthralls Brendan with his knowledge and love of trains.

L am disappointed that the library trustees have considered staff furloughs at this a particularly disruptive and disturbing time (and a month before Christmas?) particularly after Mr. [Guilderland Public Library Director Timothy] Wiles carefully explained the twin constraints of the pandemic and the library expansion.

I believe these times call for maintaining some degree of stability, and will be better served by acknowledging the dedication and assistance this wonderful staff provides to many of us in many diverse ways.

Bill Krant

Guilderland

Editor’s note: Bill Krant signed his handwritten letter as a “Very Satisfied Customer.”

The Altamont Free Library is separate from the Guilderland Public Library, which, unlike Altamont’s, has trustees elected by public vote and has the power to levy taxes.