Cottage Grove Library Board approves 2026 budget request unchanged from 2025

The Cottage Grove Library Board approved the library's 2026 budget request, unchanged from the current year, during a hybrid meeting held at Village Hall and online.

Board members said the board is asking for the same total as last year to preserve the breadth and depth of library programming. The board's worksheet divides requests into two categories (black and gray line items); board members described the gray items as discretionary lines used to tune section totals for operating supplies and other expenses. A memo attached to the board materials was described as internal to the library board because the requested total matches last year's request and does not require additional explanation to the Village Board.

Board members said continuing current programs was the principal rationale for keeping the request level. The board noted community feedback and favorable remarks from village trustees about the library's programming as factors in the decision. The board also discussed new and continuing program initiatives in the memo, including youth and adult outreach and the Glen Grove partnership.

Votes at a glance: - Approve minutes from the July 16 library board meeting as presented. Motion by Cindy, seconded by Megan. Outcome: approved. - Approve the 2026 library board budget request (total equal to 2025 request) as presented. Motion by Cindy, seconded by Ally (Allison). Outcome: approved. The board noted the budget request will be forwarded to the Village Board for consideration; the attached memo was described as for the library board's internal record only.

The board chair confirmed a quorum and that the agenda was properly posted before the votes.