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Fog/Mist Baldwin Library asks for a little more money this year
One trustee seat up for election
It’s going to cost a little more to keep the library open for another year — but not by too much.
After a pandemic year with virtually no increases, Baldwin Public Library trustees plan to add another $103,000 to its $4.6 million budget this coming fiscal year. That will mean a modest 2 percent hike on library district taxes, averaging out to just under $1 more per household each month.
The library budget actually shrunk by just under $5,000 last year, keeping tax bills flat. But the coronavirus pandemic has affected operations in ways many might not have imagined otherwise. That includes more demand for streaming media, e-books and downloadable audiobooks. There’s also been some interest in free online exercise classes as well.
“This past year has continued to be a challenging one for our community,” the board wrote in its meeting report. “We thank you for your support and encourage you and your family to visit the library to take advantage of one of the best values you will ever get for your tax dollars.”
Danielle Blanchard-St. Louime says she sees that value.
“I’m a huge fan of how inclusive the library has always been,” she said. “I have four children of different ages, and there’s something for any of them — and me — to participate in at any given time.”
While many might feel safer now going to the library than they might have in 2021 or especially 2020, having the option to participate in some of the facility’s programs at home is something quite attractive to Elisabeth Ploran.
“Absolutely loved the Zoom session they had on winter seedling techniques,” she said. “I'm generally impressed by the range of virtual workshops they have been hosting continuously through the past two years.”
Nonetheless, there are some limitations — which can be frustrating, even if they can’t be helped.
“I miss all of the fun activities and crafts they had” pre-pandemic, Michelle Jacquie said.
A good portion of the library’s overall budget is spent on salaries, building maintenance, and overall operating expenses. But library materials can be expensive, too — a necessity that last year cost the facility about $250,000. The library gets the bulk of its income from a property tax levy, but also picks up another $250 or so from interest, fines and state aid.
Voters have a chance to give the budget a yea or nay May 17. At the same time, they’ll have a chance to gives a thumbs up to Ethell Smith, whose library trustee seat is up for re-election in a separate ballot.
Last year’s budget passed with 71 percent support, with Vice President Carl Williams easily winning his uncontested re-election.
The Baldwin Union Free School District is expected to get federal Foundation Aid funding for the first time in nearly a decade to the tune of $6 million. District officials are still awaiting finalized state budget numbers, but its tentative spending plan totals $146 million. That money includes a number of projects like a soffit restoration at the Shubert School, resurfacing of the high school tennis courts, and various other safety security enhancements across the district.
The library board also discussed during its Feb. 16 meeting:
- Construction plans for its quiet study room, teen zone, and some spandrel glass on the second floor that had been damaged ahead of its installation.
- Some of the programs canceled by the omicron variant in January like chess, Scrabble and public speaking groups.
- Training for administration and employees, including sessions focused on marketing and using new equipment.
- Library attendance statistics, and improvements to the facility’s website.
