Library seeks to renew and to reduce its operating millage

by Sara Swanson

Residents of the City of Manchester, Manchester Township, Bridgewater Township, and Freedom Township will be going to the poll on August 6 to vote on, among other things, the Manchester District Library’s millage proposal. This 10-year millage, which, if passed, will run through 2034, is to replace the last 10-year millage voted on in 2014. And, notably, this millage of .9999 mills is a decrease from the previous millage of 1.045 mills and will mean a reduction in taxes on property owners.

A homeowner with an assessed home value of $200,000 has a taxable value of $100,000 and at the library’s new lower millage rate would pay $100/year.

If the millage passes, the library continues to operate, providing a collection of over 95,000 print and electronic items; special collections, including large-print materials, bilingual materials, interactive kits, and toys for children; local history and genealogy materials; a “Library of Things,” including Wi-Fi hotspots, household tools, appliances, and more; access to thousands of academic journals, magazines, and newspapers, including The New York Times and Manchester Enterprise; programs for all ages; public access to computers; printing, copying, scanning, and faxing; free Wi-Fi; tech assistance by appointment; consumer health information; curbside delivery; school visits and tours; private breakout rooms; exam proctoring; and free downloads of movies and TV shows through Canopy and Hoopla.

What happens if the millage fails? The library states, “The millage makes up 90% of the library’s operating budget. If the millage does not pass, we will operate on our savings until they are depleted, then we will cease to exist.”

Last year the library had 18,550 visitors, circulated 44,500 items, added 2,250 new items to their collection, and offered more than 180 programs with an attendance of over 2,600 people.

If you have questions about the millage, contact the library at (734) 428-8045 or stop by the front desk. The library is located at 912 City Rd and is open Monday through Thursday from 10am to 8pm, Friday from 10am to 6pm, and Saturday 10am to 2pm. It is closed on Sundays.

Preschool storytime. Photo courtesy of The Manchester District Library.

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by Sara Swanson

Sara Swanson is an editor, writer and founder of the Manchester Mirror.