To the Editor:

My daughter, Elena, was a finalist in the Guilderland Public Library's Kids’ Library Card contest.  We were extremely proud of her submission and were hoping for a victory in the public voting.

Something was amiss with this whole process.  There was limited publicity on the library website and in the library, in general.   Balloting was supposed to be set up during the library's Family Fun Day and, honestly, I did not see anything during the event.   My elder daughter was so proud of her sister's art she set up a Facebook event on her site, asking for the public's input and voting. 

Last week (unfortunately the exact date escapes me), I contacted the library to ask if a decision was going to be announced as to who the winner might be.   The response I received was, "Ummmm, soon.” 

After the September newsletter came out online, I read that the new library card would be available during the Kids Library Card Sign-Up month, which happens to be September.  The cards would have to be printed soon and available for that to happen, correct?  I should have realized at that time that something was up. 

What a surprise for my daughter to open the Saturday, Aug. 29 Times Union and discover the announcement of the Guilderland Library's new kids’ library card!   She never received as much as a phone call, email (I even checked the family's spam folder), or letter thanking her for her effort.

She would completely understand had she not garnered enough public support but give her a "heads up" that this was occurring as a professional courtesy.

I am not one to write letters to the editor on issues; however, in this case, as any mom would tell you, "Don't Mess With My Cub.”   It was a slap in the face for her to realize her defeat in this manner.

Mary E. Toscano

Guilderland