Clarkson supervisor donates entire salary to keep Seymour Library open longer

The Seymour Library located near East Avenue and Main Street right outside of Brockport has been struggling financially.

"It's been happening for a while now," Carl Gouveia the library director said. The library is staying afloat with deficit spending, pulling from endowments. But with capital improvements needed and operating costs, "we've dipped in heavily," he said.

When Clarkson Town Supervisor Jerry Underwood was running for office he was aware of the financial struggles at the Seymour Library and promised to do something about it.

He pledged to donate his 2018 salary.

In mid-January he wrote a check that came out to be about $18,000.

"I decided to donate my salary even though its a small amount," Underwood said. "The nicest thing we have is the library." It's a place to be social and "they do a tremendous job," he added.

Unlike many other libraries, Seymour library is not owned by one single town. It serves three municipalities Clarkson, Sweden and Brockport. The library attempted to form a library district that would have allowed residents to vote on their budget, and taxes to be specifically allocated to the library.

However that was vetoed in 2015 by Gov. Andrew Cuomo after passing the Senate and Assembly, Gouveia said.

Tightening their belt, library hours and materials were cut. "I wish the library could be open a lot more hours," Underwood said.

Starting Feb. 1, the hours have increased by one hour each day. Hours are Monday to Thursday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Some library board members thought the thousands donated would be best used put toward upkeep or saved for a rainy day. But in the end the board agreed to honor Underwood's request. The library is "very appreciative," Gouveia said.

Unfortunately, that money will only last about a year and there is a chance in 2019 the hours may have to shrink again, unless the three municipalities come together to assist the budgetary problems.

Underwood said he hopes attention will be drawn to the library and a solution will be found.

"You can only kick the can down the road for so long," Gouveia said.

MEFINNERTY@Gannett.com