Library budget passes at Saturday’s vote

Shelter Islanders turned out on Saturday, Oct 24, to pass the Library budget by a significant  margin of 174 in favor and 93 voting no.

The budget represents an increase of $43,538 in tax support to the library next year. According to the Assessor’s office, a resident whose house is assessed at $1 million will pay $135.10 for the library tax levy in 2027, a nominal increase for some and possibly a decrease for others.

Traditionally, taxes collected from the Town do not cover all the library’s operating expenses. For the proposed 2027 budget, the tax levy will cover less than 85% of the operating expenses. According to Library Director Terry Lucas, that is well below the norm for libraries in Suffolk County. The balance is funded through philanthropy and fundraising efforts by the Friends of the Library nonprofit.

The operating budget is separate from the expansion project of the library, for which funding is in place.

A large portion of the budget is allocated to salaries for staff, nearly all of whom live on the Island, and several of whom have worked at the library for years. Another major expense is the cost of eBooks and audiobooks, for which there is “an overwhelming demand through Libby,” according to Ms. Lucas, referring to the free app for library users.

For the past year, the library has served 2,592 library card holders with an estimated 64,700 visits to the library. Through Live-brary.com, there were 28,750 eBook and audiobook downloads. The library offered 934 programs, in person, via Zoom and hybrid, with 11,040 patrons in attendance. Ms Lucas expressed appreciation to other Island organizations for sharing their spaces during the construction.

In addition, the library has provided meeting space for nonprofit organizations, including the Senior Citizens Foundation and ArtSI. Islanders have benefited from internet access at the library, as well as Notary Public and other services. 

For youngsters, the library provides an introduction to the world of reading through story time, and offers a safe and friendly space for tweens and teens to visit after school to do homework, crafts, engage in book clubs and take part in games and contests.