Letter: Libraries won't entirely de-humanize

I am writing in response to "Replacing humans" [Letters, Jan. 26], to assure the writer, and all Newsday readers, that the technological changes taking place at our area libraries are not meant to eliminate human exchanges from these great temples of learning, but rather to ensure that public libraries are best able to preserve those human experiences which are most central to our mission of connecting local citizens with opportunities for gaining knowledge, wisdom, and understanding.

Like all tax-supported institutions, public libraries have to do more with less these days. The recently enacted property tax cap demands this even more so now than ever. Libraries remain some of the most cost-effective local government agencies. They are built around the concepts of resource sharing, cooperation and collaboration. New and exciting services like those offered at Live-brary.com demonstrate this commitment every day.

There is no denying that technology will continue to impact how we all go about our daily lives. Libraries are committed to using the best of these technologies to help us work more efficiently and to achieve cost savings for our communities through increased productivity and, when possible, through staff attrition.

We are more committed than ever to ensuring that every Long Island community has a vibrant, well stocked public library with a knowledgeable and trained staff ready to assist all of our local residents.

Kevin Verbesey, Bellport

Editor's note: The writer is the director of the Suffolk Cooperative Library System.