Library Budget
Candidates |
2011 Library Budget Spreadsheet (PDF)
2011 Library Budget Facts
- The proposed 2011 library tax levy is $7,037,277 and was approved by the elected Board of Trustees
- It reflects a 4.9% increase in the library tax levy
- An Albany resident with a $100,000 home will pay approximately an additional $5.71 next year for the library
- The proposed budget allows the library to keep building the infrastructure needed to support seven full-service libraries, including the five brand-new neighborhood branches
- Two library trustee seats are also up for election
- Polls are open Tuesday, May 18, from 7 a.m. until 9 p.m.
Library Services Supported by the Tax Levy
- Free access to a large and diverse collection of new books, DVDs, music CDs, audio books, and electronic materials
- Free public computer use and Wi-Fi access at all locations
- Free public programs including story times, computer classes, financial literacy workshops, music performances, book reviews, and lectures for all ages and interests
- Free access to professional reference librarians who provide assistance with information and research needs
- Free use of community meeting rooms and exhibit spaces
- Free 24/7 online access to the collections and databases of all 29 libraries in the Upper Hudson Library System
- Debt service on $29.1 million Branch Improvement Plan bond that delivered five new branch libraries to Albany from November 2009 through June 2010
Library Vote FAQ
What is the Albany Public Library vote on?
The actual ballot language will be listed in the voting machine as follows:
Shall the sum of $5,196,339 be raised by the annual levy of a tax upon the taxable real property within the City School District of Albany for the purpose of funding the operating budget of the Albany Public Library? Yes____ No____
The ballot will also contain an election to fill two seats on the Library Board of Trustees. Voters will be asked to vote for two of the five candidates listed.
When is the vote?
The vote will be held on Tuesday, May 18, 2010 from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. in conjunction with the Albany City School District budget vote.
Why is my polling place in a different location than the general election polling place?
Polling places for the school and library budget votes are different from the polling locations used for citywide elections. The polling places are determined by the school district, and are listed on the first page of this packet.
Who is eligible to vote?
Anyone registered to vote in the city of Albany general election is eligible to vote in the library election.
Will people be allowed to vote by absentee ballot?
Yes, people can vote by absentee ballot. Information and a downloadable ballot are available through a link on the school district website at www.albanyschools.org.
How many votes are needed for the passage of the library tax levy proposal?
A majority of those cast in the election.
How much is the proposed library tax levy increase?
The library is proposing an increase in its total tax levy of 4.9 percent. If approved, this would result in an increase in library tax of approximately $5.71 for a home with an assessed value of $100,000.
Does STAR apply to the library tax?
No, STAR does not apply to the library tax.
How will the library tax dollars be used?
The library tax levy will be used to support the 2011 annual operating costs of the library, including the maintenance of the collections, staff salaries and benefits, and the expanded facilities and services provide by the almost completed Branch Improvement Plan.
The voters already approved $29.1 million for the building project, why does the library need more money?
The 2007 facilities referendum supports the renovation and construction of the five branch libraries that are part of the Branch Improvement Plan, along with opening day collections for the branches. The proposed tax levy increase allows the library to keep building the infrastructure needed to support seven full-service libraries, including the five brand-new neighborhood branches that opened between November 2009 and June 2010.
What other sources of income does the library have?
The 2011 budget includes supplemental income from state and federal grants, foundation and individual contributions, and earned income including copying and printing fees, fines and other fees. The majority of support for the library comes from the annual tax levy.
Why can’t you just charge a fee to anyone who uses the library?
It is against the NYS Education Law, which requires that public library service must be “forever free.”
What will happen if the voters do not approve the tax levy increase?
If the 4.9 percent tax levy increase is not passed, the staffing and services available will significantly limit our libraries’ hours of operation as well as the collections, programs, and services offered at each location. The library would operate with the same funding level as the current year’s tax support.
Why should I support the library if I don’t use it?
We strongly encourage all residents to take advantage of all that the library has to offer. A public library improves the value of the community as a whole. Libraries provide everyone the opportunity for life-long learning:
- Libraries help children grow into productive citizens by encouraging reading and learning.
- Libraries supplement the education curriculum of the schools.
- Libraries help people of all ages acquire and improve their job readiness skills.
- Libraries support literacy and GED programs, which enable many people to enter the workforce.
- Libraries preserve historical information about the community.
- Libraries offer resources that assist local businesses and community organizations.
Libraries, like school systems and hospitals, are essential community resources. Businesses and homeowners look closely at these “quality of life” resources when they make decisions about where to locate. A good public library helps attract people to our community and enhances the quality of life for all our residents.
Who can run for the Board of Trustees?
Any resident of the city of Albany who was eligible to vote in the last general election is eligible to run for library trustee. Candidates must have collected a minimum of 80 valid signatures and filed their petitions with the school district clerk by the deadline. Seats on the APL board are unpaid positions. This year’s candidates are (listed in ballot order): José Lopez, Mary (Mimi) Mounteer, Roberta Sims, Robert Chauvin, and Esther Patterson. Two of the candidates will be elected to full five-year terms.
Where can I vote?
