Southtowns Record

2/10/26 Board Packet

Government
Village of Gowanda
Board
Village Board
Meeting
Feb 10, 2026
Kind
Agenda packet
Topics
Water, sewer and drainage, Public safety, Budget and taxes, Parks and recreation, Zoning and land use, Audits and oversight, Housing, Roads and traffic

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Gowanda Free Library
  56 West Main St.
  Gowanda, NY 14070
  Tel: 716-532-3451
  Fax: 716-532-3415

  February 3, 2026

Mark Nephew,
Mayor of the Village of Gowanda
27 East Main Street,
Gowanda, New York 14070.

  Dear Mayor Nephew,

  We hope this message finds you well.

  As you may know, our library plays a vital role in the community by providing
access to a wide range of resources. We are fortunate to offer services to Gowanda  and
the surrounding communities five days a week, totaling 36 hours weekly. Our offerings
include materials for borrowing without late-return penalties, such as books, movies,
launchpads, educational backpacks, puzzles, and more. We also offer free educational
and entertainment programs,  free computers with internet access, complimentary Wi-
Fi (accessible 24/7 outside the library), and assistance with reference questions and
basic digital needs. We have seen a great increase in library visits and materials check-
outs in recent years due to our efforts to maintain a safe and welcoming space for our
community members to gather, interact, and build connections. We have proudly served
the community for 125 years, and we aim to continue serving for many more years!
  Today,  we are writing to formally request that the Village  of Gowanda  consider
increasing its annual financial contribution to the library for the upcoming fiscal year
from $5,750.00 to $7,250.00. An increase in the village's contribution would greatly
help us cover the library's operational costs for the 2026 fiscal year. We truly appreciate
the ongoing support from the village and the collaborative efforts we have made to serve
our residents effectively.

  Thank  you  for  considering  this  request.  We  look  forward  to  your  favorable
response.
Sincerely,

Geidi Khawam
Library Director
& The Board of Trustees