Ballot Measures: Securing Library Funding
Our approach is comprehensive, offering pro-bono support to 138 library communities, with a record of 106 wins and 32 losses since our inception.
Since our founding in 2012, EveryLibrary has been at the forefront of supporting libraries at the ballot box. What makes EveryLibrary unique is our ability to work directly with library staff, elected and appointed leadership, and local citizen groups to plan and execute effective Information Only campaigns.
In addition, we actively engage with local ballot committees and help Get Out the Vote (GOTV) efforts to increase voter engagement for library funding measures. Our approach is comprehensive, offering pro-bono support to 138 library communities, with a record of 106 wins and 32 losses since our inception.
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Through these efforts, we’ve helped secure over $2.8 billion in stable annual tax revenue, ensuring that libraries across the country can maintain operations, upgrade facilities, and expand their services. These campaigns often center around millages, bond measures, or levies that directly impact library staffing, collections, programming, and even facility improvements.
In the November 2024 election, we are once again stepping up to support libraries at the local and statewide levels. This election is critical, with several important ballot measures that could determine the future of library funding in key communities.
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EveryLibrary is providing strategic guidance, voter engagement, and GOTV support to ensure these measures succeed:
- Michigan: West Bloomfield Township Public Library - Voters will decide on a repeal and replacement millage, increasing the rate from 0.6586 to 0.70. This funding will ensure continued library services and improvements.
- Ohio: Marysville Public Library - The Levy Replacement on the ballot will allow the library to maintain its current level of services without increasing taxes.
- Illinois: Rochester Public Library District - Voters will decide on a 0.42% levy increase in the property tax rate, which is essential for sustaining and expanding library services.
- Missouri: Marshall Public Library - A proposal for a 1/4 one-cent sales tax is on the ballot to support the library's ongoing operations and future growth.
- Montana: Livingston Park County Library - Voters will consider a levy increase from 5.5 mills to 16.25 mills, ensuring the library has the funding it needs to serve the community effectively.
- Nevada: Washoe County Library - This important measure will determine whether the current library levy is renewed for another 30 years, providing long-term stability for the county’s library system.
- New York: Millbrook Library - The library is on the ballot with a 414 Proposition to increase the operating budget from $184,000 to $349,000 annually.
As we gear up for Election Night 2024, we invite everyone who is following the results to join us for a virtual #LibraryWatchParty. We'll be live on Twitter, BlueSky, Instagram, Mastadon, and Facebook, reporting in real-time on all the key library ballot measures across the country.
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This is your chance to stay updated as results roll in for library elections at the local, state, and national levels. Stay tuned in and join the conversation at #LibraryWatchParty on your favorite social media platform.