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Aldridge Library seeks 5% city increase, cites 86,847 annual visits
Summary
Library Director Kristen asked Barre City for a 5% budget increase (a $312,000 FY27 request) to cover staffing, HVAC and technology upgrades and growing programming; she emphasized last year’s 86,847 visits and about 71,000 checkouts as evidence of demand.
Kristen, director of the Aldridge Public Library, told the council the library is requesting $312,000 from the city in the FY27 budget — a 5% increase from FY26 — to cover wage increases, additional staffing hours and urgent capital needs including HVAC and phased technology upgrades. “We are requesting $312,000 in this fiscal year 'twenty 7 budget,” she said, noting that the increase equates to about $1.81 per resident.
Kristen pointed to usage statistics to make the case for added funding: “86,847 people came in the library last year,” she said, a 25% increase from FY24, and staff recorded over 71,000 checkouts. She described the library as a civic hub that runs computer sessions, community‑led programs, Medicaid/Medicare enrollment help, and meeting space for local organizations. Councilors asked about the library’s endowment, transfers from that investment, and contingency plans if Barre Town provides less funding than requested; Kristen said the library balances city appropriations with endowment transfers, fundraising and grant pursuit and will continue to adjust services if needed.
Multiple councilors expressed support for libraries but stopped short of committing to the request during the early stage of budget deliberations. The library said it will continue grant work and fundraising and urged the council to consider the modest, level funding request as part of the broader FY27 decision process.
