I am an Albany resident and avid user of the Albany Public Library. On May 15, voters go to the polls to vote on the proposed library budget for 2019. I hope everyone gets out and votes "yes" on this budget.

Albany has an excellent library system with multiple branches, all of which are accessible by foot or public transit. After years of meager budgets because of the recession, the board is asking for a modest increase of 2 percent for fiscal year 2019.

I visit the library regularly to use the computers and to take out print books and magazines and frequently borrow from the digital library. On any given day, I see preschool children attending story time, tutoring for middle and high school students, adult ESL classes, and active seniors attending a variety of programs.

I also see job-seekers with minimal computer skills receiving help from professional staff with formatting resumes, cover letters and online job applications. The branches have a wide variety of CDs and DVDs and also provide access to photocopying and faxing facilities. During school breaks, school-age kids K-12 can take part in free activities that give them some place to be.

This small budget increase will provide for a few more hours in the mornings and evenings. It provides for acquisition of more e-books to meet the growing demand. It increases programing for early literacy initiatives. And it provides funding for additional meeting rooms during evening hours.

The board approved an operating budget of $7,153,022 at its March 13 meeting. This translates to an increase of $4.89 for a home assessed at $150,000.

The Albany Public Library uses its resources wisely and efficiently. We all need to vote "yes" on the Albany Public Library budget.

Vince Quackenbush

Albany