Library Budget Vote & Trustee Election is May 19
Albany city residents go to the polls Tuesday, May 19, to vote on the library’s 2026-2027 operating budget tax levy. Voters will also elect three new library trustees.
The budget plan was approved by the Board of Trustees at its March 10 meeting.
The proposed 2026-2027 operating tax levy of $9,661,856 would result in an increase of $42.58 for the owner of a home assessed at $250,000. The spending plan represents a 17% increase in the annual total operating budget tax levy.
“Our main goal is securing adequate funding for the library and everything that it provides to our community,” said Board President Sarah Macinski. “This increase addresses the impact of some expenses that have spiked in recent years, like health benefits and utilities, while ensuring we have enough reserve funds to maintain branch facilities and be grant-eligible for future renovations.”
“We’re living in a challenging economic and social climate, but that’s when communities need library services the most,” said APL Executive Director Andrea Nicolay. “If our budget were level next year, we’d risk draining our fund balance just by covering operating costs. With the proposed increase, we stop the bleeding and achieve a balanced operating budget that stabilizes our reserves and allows for sustainable growth in future years.”
Over the next two months, Nicolay is presenting the library’s annual community report and budget to the Board of Education and more than 15 neighborhood associations and community organizations.
In addition, Nicolay will host Budget Table Talks at all APL locations, where residents can learn more about the budget and share their comments and questions in a less formal setting. Budget Table Talks are being scheduled and will be promoted on the library’s online events calendar and social media platforms @albanynylibrary.
The library is also hosting a budget information session and meet-the-candidates forum on Tuesday, May 5, at 6 pm at the Washington Ave. Branch. This session will be livestreamed, and recorded for later viewing, on YouTube.
In addition to casting ballots on the budget, voters will also select three trustees on May 19. Two positions carry full five-year terms, while the third is a partial one-year term. More information about terms, plus nominating packets, is available on the library website and at all seven APL branches. Candidates have until April 29 to submit petitions with 65 signatures from qualified voters to the City School District of Albany, which runs the library’s vote.
Library Tax Impact for Albany Homeowners
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.