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Library official outlines 5-year replacement levy and Liberty branch opening timeline
Summary
A library representative told trustees the library is asking voters to approve a 5-year replacement levy and provided an update on a new Liberty branch expected to open in June with partial occupancy already underway.
A library representative identified as Travis briefed trustees on a proposed replacement levy and the timetable for a new Liberty branch.
Travis said the library will ask voters to approve a 5-year, $7.05 million replacement levy on the May ballot; it is intended to restore funding to 2010 levels and would begin in 2026 when the current levy expires. Travis said the measure would represent an increase “of less than $12 per 100,000 valuation” on tax bills, depending on state funding adjustments.
On service mix and funding: the library receives about half to two-thirds of its funding from the state; the levy would restore locally raised operating support that has declined in purchasing power since 2010. Travis said state funding changes from the biennial budget could affect the library’s final revenue picture and that the library has other small revenue sources such as copier fees and investment income but is primarily state‑ and levy‑funded.
On the Liberty branch: Travis said the Liberty location has partial occupancy; the parking lot completion (asphalt and striping) was delayed until warmer weather but staff were installing shelving and moving collections. Travis said a fundraising event for the Dolly Parton Imagination Library is planned for May 29 and a ribbon cutting is scheduled for June 1. The new branch is roughly twice the size of the Trenton location and about half the size of the township’s West Chester branch, with a single-floor layout and automated features designed to reduce operating costs.
Why it matters: the levy affects library operations and services across multiple jurisdictions because state-funded libraries allow reciprocal cards; a failed levy could force the library to reassess service levels depending on state budget outcomes.
Ending: Travis told trustees the levy timing was chosen to avoid overlap with the current levy and to provide funding continuity beginning in 2026; no formal board action on the levy took place at the April 22 meeting.
