Frequently Asked Questions

When and where is the vote?
The vote will take place on Tuesday, October 13, 2026 from Noon to 9:00 PM at the Palmyra
Community Library--402 East Main Street, Palmyra, NY

Who is eligible to vote?
Residents of the Palmyra Community Library District who are qualified to vote at a general
election are eligible to vote.  The Library district encompasses the town of Palmyra, excluding
the portion of the town that lies within the Newark central school district.

What are we voting for?
1. Budget: The library Board of Trustees is asking the residents of the Palmyra Community
Library District to consider an increase of $21,287 to the annual library tax funding. To learn
more visit our website, palmyracommunitylibrary.org  
2. Trustee: The public will also be electing three new library board trustees. The
trustees will serve four-year terms beginning November 1, 2026. Trustees play a
crucial role in overseeing the library’s finances, advocating for its services, and
shaping its policies.
What will it cost Palmyra Community Library District residents if the vote passes?
If the vote passes, this would mean a $4.95 tax increase per $100,000 in assessed property value.

Why is the library asking for this increase?
This year’s budget increase reflects rising costs across nearly every area of library
operations, including building maintenance, labor expenses, utilities, supplies, and
collection materials. Like households and businesses, the library continues to
experience higher costs for everyday services and resources needed to maintain quality
operations and provide current, relevant collections for the community.
The library building is one of the community’s most valuable shared assets, and maintaining it is
not optional—it is essential. Every day, residents depend on this space as a safe, welcoming, and
accessible environment for learning, connection, and public service. Like any heavily used
public facility, the building experiences constant wear and tear. Without adequate investment,
small maintenance issues quickly become larger, more costly problems.

How is the library funded?
The tax levy is 88% of the library’s funding. The remaining 12 % of funding [about $50,000] comes
from copier fees, room rental fees, investment income, donations, NYS aid, and grants. 

Will additional library tax requests be made in the future?
It is anticipated that future budget increases may be necessary to address rising wages
and other operational costs. Any proposed increases would require approval by voters
within the library district.

Is there a Public Hearing?
A public hearing on the proposed library budget will be held on Wednesday, September
23, 2026 at 1PM & Thursday, September 24, 2026 at 6:30PM at the Palmyra
Community Library, providing community members an opportunity to ask any question
about the proposal and share comments.

How is the library governed?
The Board of Trustees make the decisions for the library.  They decide on the hours of operation,
how the library spends the funding it receives, and other governing activities.  The Board of
Trustees consists of 7 trustees who are elected by the library district residents.  Trustees do not
receive compensation; they volunteer their time.

Who can become a trustee?
Any library district resident who is qualified to vote at a general election, and has resided in the
library district at least one year prior to the election is eligible to become a trustee.  

There are three trustee positions opened this year.

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