New & Noteworthy @ WHPLibrary

Borrow our Museum Family Pass to the New York Botanical Garden and get a preview of spring!

Since the 19th century, The New York Botanical Garden has provided New Yorkers with “the country in the city”—a serene and contemplative oasis in which to enjoy and learn about plants and nature. Don't miss these programs!

The New York Library Association asks that library supporters participate in a “virtual” Lobby Day this Monday, March 9 to protest Governor Paterson's proposed $18 million or 18% cut in Library Aid.

The web letter on NYLA's Online Advocacy Center has been updated to urge the legislature to "Reject Governor's Proposed Cuts to Library Aid" so please send it even if you have sent previous letters. As always the more letters sent the better.

It only takes a minute. Just go to the NYLA website www.nyla.org and follow the “Become a Library Advocate Link.”

The Public is cordially invited to a

        LIBRARY BUDGET HEARING
        TUESDAY MARCH 31, 2009
        8:00 p.m.
In the West Hempstead Public Library's Children's Program Room

The Board of Trustees will be available to answer your questions about the Proposed Budget. There is one seat open on the Library Boad of Trustees for a five-year term beginning July 1, 2009.

Please mark your calendar:
        BUDGET PRESENTATION
        Tuesday, MAY 12, 2009
        8 p.m.
In the West Hempstead High School -Video Conference Room
400 Nassau Blvd., West Hempstead, NY

        LIBRARY BUDGET VOTE and TRUSTEE ELECTION
        Tuesday, MAY 19, 2009
        6 a.m.-9 p.m.
In the West Hempstead Middle School - Gymnasium
450 Nassau Blvd., West Hempstead, NY

QUALIFICATIONS FOR VOTING

To register, you must be a U.S. citizen, 18 years of age or older, and you must have been a legal resident of the West Hempstead Union Free School District for at least 30 days prior to the referendum. Registration is required only if a resident has not voted in a West Hempstead UFSD or Library referendum within the last 4 years, or in a General referendum within the last 4 years.

Absentee Ballot applications are available in the District Clerk's Office.

For further information, call the District Clerk at (516) 390-3118 during business hours.

Drivers 50 and older may sign up for one of the two AARP driving classes given by Mr. Charles Hlavenka this spring.
Please note that the cost of the AARP class has changed. Participants must present their AARP membership card at the time of registration to get the fee of $12. Non-members of AARP, or those without their AARP membership card will be charged $14.

(1) Course 1: Monday, April 27 and Wednesday, April 29 from 9:30 a.m.- 1:30 p.m.
Registration for W.H. residents begins at 9:00 a.m. on Monday, April 13.
Non-residents may register, space permitting, beginning on Monday, April 20.
(2) Course 2: Mondays, June 22 and 29 from 9:30 a.m.- 1:30 p.m.
Registration for W.H. residents begins at 9:00 a.m. on Monday, June 1.
Non-residents may register, space permitting, beginning on Monday, June 8.

Instructor Mr. William Feeley will teach two Defensive Driving class for all ages.
A $40 check, payable to Defensive Driving Course, Inc. is due at registration, which begins on Wednesday, April 1.

(1) Course 1: Wednesdays, April 22 and 29 from 6:45 p.m.- 9:45 p.m.
(2) Course 2: Wednesdays, June 17 and 24 from 6:45 p.m.- 9:45 p.m.

For all classes, each participant must bring his/her driver’s license and checkbook when registering and attend all parts of the course to receive credit. Classes are held on the lower level in the Community Room and begin promptly.

Reference Librarian, Jean King, is our resident genealogy specialist. She has many years experience working on her own family tree and knows many of the intricacies and stumbling blocks you may face during the process of tracing your family history. In this workshop, she will use the big screen in the community room on the lower level to demonstrate our two library databases that consolidate a wealth of information to help you get started.

With HeritageQuest you can search the U.S. Census, Revolutionary War records, and local and family history books.

With Ancestry.com Library Edition (available only in the library) you can search the U.S. Census, military records, immigration records, directories, member lists, vital records and more!

Sign up at the Reference Desk, or call 481-6591 ext. 22, to register for the workshop on Thursday, April 23 from 10:30 am - Noon.

Earth Hour takes place 8:30PM local time Saturday 28 March 2009, wherever you live on planet earth. This year, Earth Hour has been transformed into the world’s first global election, between Earth and global warming.

Earth Hour began in Sydney in 2007, when 2.2 million homes and businesses switched off their lights for one hour. In 2008 the message had grown into a global sustainability movement, with 50 million people switching off their lights. Global landmarks such as the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, Rome’s Colosseum, the Sydney Opera House and the Coca Cola billboard in Times Square all stood in darkness.

In 2009, Earth Hour is being taken to the next level, with the goal of 1 billion people switching off their lights as part of a global vote. Unlike any election in history, it is not about what country you’re from, but instead, what planet you’re from. VOTE EARTH is a global call to action for every individual, every business, and every community.

Find out more at http://www.earthhour.org/ brought to you by WWF, the global conservation organization. Check this site for KIDS!

Some of your West Hempstead neighbors who care about the environment will be meeting in front of the West Hempstead Post Office at 8:30 pm to take an hour to stroll around the neighborhood. Wheelchairs and strollers are welcome. Email Joe Varon for more information.