04 May Wood Library Funding Proposition on Canandaigua City School District Ballot
Proposition #3 asks voters to authorize an increase of $73,250 in the levy for library operations
Canandaigua, NY (May 4, 2022)—On Tuesday, May 17, 2022, Canandaigua City School District voters will consider a proposition to increase community-based funding for Wood Library by $73,250 over the base amount that was approved by voters in 2021. If approved, the increase will add $2.51 to the total October tax bill of a property assessed at $150,000, and increase the library property tax rate by 1.7 cents per thousand dollars of assessed property valuation.
“Wood Library is an essential community resource focused on equal and inclusive access, literacy and learning, and community.” asserts Library Trustee and Board President Jill Werth. “People engage with the library in new ways all the time. There is a demand for more digital services and diverse materials. We are constantly refreshing and growing our physical and digital collections to build connections and cultivate understanding between readers. Library spaces are changing too as we accommodate large and small group discussion, study, experiential learning, and play.”
Wood Library Director Jenny Goodemote adds, “Many of the modifications that we made in response to the ongoing pandemic will remain including digital library cards, a more robust digital ebook and downloadable collection, digital services like hoopla, virtual and hybrid programming, and expansion of our WiFi hot spot program. People can still request curbside delivery service. A mail delivery service is also available for homebound persons.”
In 2021, Wood Library introduced fine-free borrowing for patrons, hoopla digital media service, a 3D printer, online calendar updates, take and make kits, an eSports League, and Tai Chi classes. The library was visited 64,428 times (an increase of 35% from 2020), and 11,263 people used their library card to check out 158,234 items (an increase of 37%). Digital checkouts totaled 57,825 (up 16%). 14,091 people participated in 521 live programs, and 117 recorded library programs were viewed by 10,539 persons. Staff supported 436 reference requests. Public internet computers were used 7,606 times (up 16%) and wireless sessions totaled 4,419 (up 9%). 224 new digital library cards were issued (an increase of 57%) and staff supported 42 notary appointments. 298 persons received tax aide assistance through a partnership with AARP.
Wood Library’s 2023 projected budget is $1,173,000. When the levy for Wood Library was first approved in 2012, it represented 75% of the total operating budget. Today, community-based funding supports 70% of the library’s budget. If Proposition #3 passes, community-based funding will be closer to 72% of the total operating budget. Fundraising and the amount tapped from endowment income will have to increase to $328,750 to fully fund operations.
The proposed increase in community-based funding will address state-mandated minimum-wage increases and cost of living adjustments, support critical technology upgrades focused on security and access, and ensure that everyone can continue to obtain our full range of library services.
The library proposition will appear on the same ballot as the Canandaigua City School District budget. Proposition #3 will ask voters to authorize the school district to levy and collect an annual tax for Wood Library in the amount of $844,250. State education law allows libraries to appeal to school district voters for community-based funding and changes to the levy. An increase in the levy must be presented to school district voters for approval by proposition.
The public is invited to attend an information session at Wood Library on Wednesday, May 11, at 6:00PM. Additional information can be found at woodlibrary.org/vote.
For information about Wood Library, go to woodlibrary.org or call 585.394.1381.
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