Library Budget

Library Budget

Current Library Budget

FISCAL YEAR 2026-2027 BUDGET PROCESS TIMELINE

  • February 23 – The board’s Audit and Finance Committee recommended the operating budget for the next fiscal year (July 1, 2026-June 30, 2027) to the full board for review and discussion at a special budget session.
  • March 10 – The full board votes on the proposed budget at its regular meeting.
  • March 11 to May 19 – APL Community Report and Budget Information presentations are delivered by APL’s Executive Director to the School Board, Neighborhood Associations, and other community forums.
  • May 19 – The budget goes up for a public vote. Because APL is a school district public library, voters will see the City School District of Albany items and the Albany Public Library items on the same ballot. Voters will also elect three new library trustees: two will serve full 5-year terms, and one will serve a partial 1-year term.

2026 TRUSTEE ELECTION

  • Albany voters will select three trustees for the library board on May 19.
  • Two positions carry full five-year terms. One position carries a partial term of one year.
  • Albany residents interested in running for the board need to complete and submit nominating petitions.
    • Nomination packets — with the petition and instructions — are available online now. Paper packets will be at the branches on Friday, Feb. 27.
    • Completed nominating petitions are due to the City School District of Albany by 5 pm on April 29 (Wed).
  • Potential candidates can learn more about what it’s like to run for office and serve as a library trustee:

ANNUAL BUDGET PROCESS

APL’s operating budget is primarily funded by local taxpayers, but we also receive some 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 sustainability.

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.
  • As a local government organization, the APL budgets are subject to 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 digital content, books, periodicals, databases, and other borrowable materials; and programming for the community.