Kent Public Library board members and other volunteers will soon be collecting signatures on petitions to put a referendum question on library funding on the ballot in November. In the last 13 years, inflation has increased by 22%, while the library appropriation from the Town of Kent has increased by only 1/2 of 1%. The library board has worked hard to contain costs but feels that it is now necessary to approach Kent voters for an increase. The referendum will ask for an average increase of $6.01 per household based on an average home value of $255,000. This will bring the amount the average Kent household spends in taxes for the library from $80.15 up to $86.16 per year. The petition asks only that the library Board’s funding request be put on the ballot. The voters will then have the opportunity to vote for or against it in November.
Library Trustee Beth Herr stated that "the library is a vital hub for our community. Keeping it adequately funded assures fine programing, accessible services, and makes Kent more attractive to newcomers.”
Library Treasurer Otto Rominino added that “it's great to see so many parents bring their preschoolers for "Story Time" at the Kent Public Library. That's where learning begins.”
Stop by Kent Library 17 Sybil’s Crossing, Kent Lakes, NY 10512 on the following dates to sign the petition:
- Tuesday the 28th from 10 to 12:30 & 3 to 5:30
- Thursday the 30th from 10 to 5
- Friday the 31st from 10 to 12:30 & 3 to 5
More dates and times will be announced for June.