THE LIBRARY IS ON THE BALLOT THIS YEAR
The Claverack Free Library is seeking a $32,500 increase in local funding. This increase will help the library to offset hikes in facility expenses (utilities, upkeep), enable the library to upgrade key staff positions (including making the directorship a full-time position), continue to expand its e-resources (books, movies, computers and WiFi access), and develop new programs to better serve the community.
Why is the library seeking an increase in local funding support?
• Claverack Free Library continues to receive the lowest level of local tax support of all the libraries in Columbia County. This is not sustainable.
How much will this increase impact my budget?
• Currently the library tax is $13.83 per $100,000 of assessed valuation. That amount would increase by about $4.05 to 17.88 per $100,000.
• For example, a property assessed at $350,000 would see an annual increase in local library taxes of $14.18 per year, or an increase of $18.23 for a property with a $450,000 assessment.
• In other words, for most households the library funding increase will be well under $20.00 or less than the cost of a large pizza.
How do you calculate the value of the library?
• With a tool called the Library Value Calculator. You can find it online at https://www.maine.gov/msl/services/calculator.htm.
What are the components of that value calculation?
• Each time you borrow a book, it has a value of $17, about the cost of a single paperback. If you borrow five books a week, the value is $85.
• An audio book has a value of almost $10.
• Movies have a value of $4.
• Interlibrary loans are valued at $25, saving you the time and cost of driving to Poughkeepsie (or even farther) to find the materials you need.
• All of the above are free to patrons.
How does the community benefit from the library?
• The library is a community asset that provides over $900,000 annually in services to our service area – a return that is approximately $600,000 more than the amount of our annual budget. In other words, for every dollar spent too operate the library in a single year, over $3 worth of free resources and services are made available to our community.
• The library is a cultural and educational institution that presents live concerts, movies, and art exhibits. It offers adult workshops on Medicare planning and resume writing, a menopause support group, Tai Chi and chair yoga. Its many children’s programs, include story times, the summer book program, and battle of the books. It’s a community gathering place where people come to learn, have fun, and get to know each other.
Are taxes the only source of funds for the library?
• Fortunately, our donors currently constitute a generous source of support. We also receive modest grant funding from the state. And we benefit from the equivalent of $50,000 or more annually in donated professional services such as accounting, property management, and tech support.
• It is unrealistic to expect such high-level professional services to continue to be donated by volunteers.
• Given the inflationary pressure that all families and institutions are facing, we can no longer rely on our donors for almost a third our operating expenses.
• State grant funds are insufficient to take up the shortfall.
What is the cost of a library card?
Nothing. Library cards are free to patrons. Every member of every household can be a library card holder and can access all the services we offer without charge.
BE SURE TO VOTE ON ELECTION DAY, NOVEMBER 3; OR VOTE EARLY, BEGINNING OCTOBER 24.