Library Budget

Library Budget

Thank you, Albany, for approving the library budget! 

Albany city residents voted May 20 to approve a 5% increase in Albany Public Library’s operating budget tax levy, which is under the NYS tax cap. The budget was approved by 80% of the voters, with a final tally of 2,571 to 655.

The approved 2025-26 library operating tax levy is $8,257,997. The owner of a city of Albany home assessed at $250,000 will pay about an extra $11.44 for the library in the next year. The estimated homestead rate for the 2025-26 library tax is $1.15 per $1,000 of assessed value.

“Albany Public Library is grateful for the sustaining support of the community we serve,” said Executive Director Andrea Nicolay. “Our staff and trustees are committed to delivering the quality library services, materials, and programs that Albany values and expects.”

Voters also selected two members for the library’s Board of Trustees. Shaniqua Jackson and Rachael Vonada will serve five-year terms that start July 1.

The vote totals for the five trustee candidates were:
1. Shaniqua Jackson with 1,734 votes
2. Rachael Vonada with 1,130 votes
3. Christina Wiggins with 940 votes
4. Michele Greenblatt with 849 votes
5. Aidan Hennessey with 811 votes

Library Budget for Fiscal Years 2025 and 2026

 

ANNUAL BUDGET PROCESS

The library’s spending plan dictates how we allocate funds across the system of seven branches. We are primarily funded by local taxpayers, but also receive funds from the state and federal government, as well as grants. The library’s leadership regularly reviews the annual budget and long-range financial plan to ensure we are making fiscally responsible decisions that result in operational efficiencies. 

Some budget facts:

  • The yearly budget is developed in an open process, reviewed in public meetings, and approved by the Board of Trustees. Then, it is presented to the voters.
  • The public gets to vote on the library’s tax levy every May (there is no vote if the tax levy does not increase).
  • As a local government, Albany Public Library budgets fall under the tax cap regulations established by the NYS comptroller.
  • The library’s major operating costs are: salaries and benefits for library staff; maintenance and operation of seven library buildings; cost of computers and software for public and staff; purchase of books, periodicals, databases, and other borrowable materials; and programming for the community.