The Crandall Public Library budget will not increase the tax rate | Local

“It’s flat. We have also requested that for 2020, 2021 and 2022, ”said library director Kathleen Naftaly. “We recognize what we are all going through and experiencing, and we can get by with some flat-rate expenses, so we don’t want to ask more of our voters.”

The library proposes a budget of $ 5.17 million, an increase from the $ 4.86 million budget for 2021.

Just over $ 3.7 million is being raised through taxes from residents of Glens Falls, Queensbury, Moreau, and Warren Counties. The budget proposal is on the vote for the general election on Tuesday in Glens Falls, Queensbury and Moreau.

“It’s gone up a bit,” said Naftaly. “We’re not going to raise taxes. Fortunately, some of the foundations and investments have allowed us to increase costs. “

The library has shifted some funding to increase spending on printed and electronic materials, she added.

“That means we may buy more copies of a popular title and maybe the money we spend on virtual resources like e-books, electronic audiobooks, music, streaming, videos, magazines, and some accessible genealogical databases redistribute those funds for more copies available or for different resources to the community, ”said Naftaly.

Even when the library and facilities are open, the use of electronic resources continues to increase, although the library is somewhat limited by the electronic content of the publishers. And they cost more.

“So the amount spent doesn’t go quite that far,” said Naftaly.

Still, she added, the goal is to make the resources available to people in the way they prefer. The library will continue to offer programs such as books by mail and roadside collection for those who are still reluctant to go into a public setting.

“You can make arrangements to collect materials in our famous brown bag and we plan to continue indefinitely,” she said.

The library is about to launch its new five-year strategic plan, which will focus on the promotion and access to library services.

The library has not returned to a full indoor program, but has had a robust summer of outdoor programming with its partnership with the Adirondack Theater Festival’s PB&J Café, the introduction of the summer reading program and the continuation of story lessons and youth group programs. The library has continued virtual programming through adult services.

“We’ll push them outside until the snow comes,” said Naftaly, “until the flakes fly.”