Library Budget and Trustee Election

VOTE DAY IS MAY 20, 2025 

BUDGET VOTE

Albany city residents go to the polls Tuesday, May 20, to vote on the Albany Public Library 2025-2026 tax levy. 

The budget plan was approved by the library’s Board of Trustees at its March 11 meeting.

The proposed 2025-2026 tax levy of $8,257,997 reflects a 5% increase to the operating budget. The increase is under this year’s New York State tax cap for APL.

If approved by voters in May, this increase means that the owner of a home assessed at $250,000 would pay approximately $12.75 more in library taxes next year.

“Our primary objective is securing adequate funding for the library and all that it provides to our community,” said Board President Brigitte Pryor. “The proposed budget keeps us on the path of sustainability for the library’s services, facilities, and materials.”

“This increase is necessary to help address rising costs, and an unanticipated loss in non-tax revenue,” said APL Executive Director Andrea Nicolay. “Meanwhile we continue to work on identifying opportunities for savings, as well as alternative revenue sources that can help support core library services.”

2025-26 Proposed Library Budget

Tax Impact of the Proposed Budget

Budget Information Session and Candidate Forum | May 6 (Tue) at 6 pm | Washington Ave. Branch

TRUSTEE ELECTION

• There are two open seats on the APL Board of Trustees up for election on May 20.
• If you are interested in running for a seat on the board:
  • View the nominating packet to learn how to get on the ballot and run for a board seat.
  • Attend an information session with current trustees to learn more about what it’s like serving as an APL trustee, how to get on the ballot, and tips for a successful campaign. | March 22 (Sat) 10-11:30 am at Howe Branch | March 26 (Wed) 6:30-8 pm at Pine Hills Branch

ANNUAL BUDGET PROCESS

The library’s spending plan dictates how we allocate funds across the system of seven branches. We are primarily funded by local taxpayers, but also receive funds from the state and federal government, as well as grants. The library’s leadership regularly reviews the annual budget and long-range financial plan to ensure we are making fiscally responsible decisions that result in operational efficiencies. 

Some budget facts:

• The yearly budget is developed in an open process, reviewed in public meetings, and approved by the Board of Trustees. Then, it is presented to the voters.
• The public gets to vote on the library’s tax levy every May (there is no vote if the tax levy does not increase).
• As a local government, Albany Public Library budgets fall under the tax cap regulations established by the NYS comptroller.
• The library’s major operating costs are: salaries and benefits to the library staff; maintenance and operation of seven library buildings; cost of computers and software for public and staff; purchase of books, periodicals, databases, and other borrowable materials; and programming for the community.