Library Budget Up for Vote Tuesday

Stolen from Stephanie Simon, APL:

You've probably been reading about the library's proposed 2012 budget. Well, Tuesday, May 17, is the big day. You get to make a choice and cast your ballot.

Please take time on Tuesday to go out and vote on the library budget and trustee candidates. Polling places are open from 7 a.m. until 9 p.m. You vote on the library budget at the same place where you vote on the school district budget. If you don't know your polling location, check this directory [PDF] to find it. [Note that it may be different from the place you vote in general and primary elections.]

Information about the library budget and candidates is available online and at http://www.albanypubliclibrary.org/locations/ all library locations.

2012 Library Budget Facts
The proposed 2012 total library tax levy is $8,796,596 and was unanimously approved by the elected Board of Trustees. The tax levy pays for the library's operating budget and the Branch Improvement Plan, which was approved by voters in February 2007. The 2012 tax levy is an increase of $1.7 million over the current year.

An Albany resident with a $150,000 home will pay approximately an additional $47.38 next year for the library, or about 91 cents each week.

The proposed budget allows the library to keep the doors open at all seven libraries in the newly expanded and improved system, including two brand-new and three renovated neighborhood branches. The increase will also add a few hours a week at the branches and some needed improvements at the Main Library. Two library trustee seats are also up for election.


We've got seven libraries across the city of Albany. Please visit this weekend and learn about all of the wonderful materials, services, and programs Albany Public Library has to offer!