Prendergast Library

 

 
PHOTO FROM L-R Gary Padak, Tina Scott, Chris Anderson & Sue Jones. 
 
Rotarian Sue Jones, prior to introducing Tina Scott, MLIS - Executive Director, James Prendergast Library Association, recognized current and former Library Board Members who are also members of the Rotary Club. She the introduced Tina, who spoke on the libraries Funding Initiative.
 
Over the past several years, the Cost of Living Index compared to the level of funding provided by the City of Jamestown has widened, as the level of funding from the city has decreased, and could possibly be zeroed out in 2017.
 
The library relies of a combination of public and private funding to operate. However, Scott said this funding model is not stable or sustainable.
 
In 2015, over 182,000 people came to the library to use their public computers, to attend library programs, or simply to check out a book or DVD. Since 2015, retirement payments, building maintenance, utilities and more have also increased significantly.
 
The Library Board, to help combat this issue, will be asking the public for community-based funding, which would generate $850,000 or 65% of its total proposed 2017 budget. The other 35% will come from endowment income, fund raising and library fees.
 
This proposed plan will make the library strong, Scott feels, and for a home in the Jamestown School District assessed at $50,000, community-based funding would increase taxes only $57.50 a year. If the plan is not approved, the library will be forced to sell off artwork, cut hours further, cut materials, and take other measures.
 
If funding is approved, the library could increase hours, provide more classes, replace aging computers, and buy more books!
 
The vote on community-based funding will take place Tuesday, June 7th. Polls Open at the Library from Noon to 9 p.m. Absentee ballots are available by calling Sue Caronia, School District Clerk, at 716/483-4420. All qualified voters of the Jamestown School District may vote. For More Information, contact Tina Scott, at tscott@cclslib.org or (716) 484‐7135. Go to www.Prendergast.fundourlibraries.org.