Budget Vote and Trustee Election May 20
APL’s 2025-26 operating budget tax levy and two Board of Trustee seats are on the ballot Tuesday, May 20. Polls are open 7 am to 9 pm.
Voting information and polling places
BUDGET VOTE:
The proposed 2025-2026 operating tax levy of $8,257,997 reflects a 5% increase to the operating budget. The increase is under this year’s New York State tax cap for APL.
If approved by voters, this increase means that the owner of a home assessed at $250,000 would pay approximately $11.44 more in library taxes next year.
“Our primary objective is securing adequate funding for the library and all that it provides to our community,” said Board President Brigitte Pryor. “The proposed budget keeps us on the path of sustainability for the library’s services, facilities, and materials.”
“This increase is necessary to help address rising costs, and an unanticipated loss in non-tax revenue,” said APL Executive Director Andrea Nicolay. “Meanwhile we continue to work on identifying opportunities for savings, as well as alternative revenue sources that can help support core library services.”
TRUSTEE ELECTION:
Five candidates are running for two seats on the Albany Public Library Board of Trustees.
The following Albany residents submitted valid nominating petitions to the City School District of Albany and appear on the ballot in this order:
(1) Aidan Hennessey of Grand St., 12202
(2) Christina Wiggins of State St., 12203
(3) Shaniqua Jackson of Patroon Creek Blvd., 12206
(4) Michele Greenblatt of South Main Ave., 12208
(5) Rachael Vonada of Mountainview Ave., 12208
The two available seats carry full five-year terms, which begin on July 1, 2025.
Stephanie Simon
Stephanie Simon is manager of APL's Communication and Creative Services Department, which provides content and information for the library's website, social media, publications, videos, and other outlets. Stephanie also manages APL's public relations and marketing efforts.