Budget Vote Results:

The Lockport Public Library's request for a $40,335.00 increase for the 2025/2026 budget has been approved by 85% of the ballots that were cast by residents of the Lockport City School District. This increase is within the tax cap. Local tax support of the budget totals $1,729,678.00. The total library budget from all sources will be $1,939,078.00. These funds will be applied to increased operating costs, maintaining library collections and services, computer access, library programs, staffing costs, and materials on our digital platform. The new budget will take effect July 1, 2025.

The Lockport Public Library Board of Trustees and staff thank the community for their support. We encourage the community to continue to use all of the library's resources whether it is in the library or on our digital
platforms.

"A library is a gift a community gives to itself"

Budget Vote Information:

April 10, 2025 - 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM

2025/2026 proposed budget

Public Information Meeting
March 26, 2025, at 6:30 PM
Community Meeting Room

You must be a registered voter in the Lockport City School District to vote.

2025/2026 Budget Information for Voters

Tax levy increase from 2024/2025: $40,335
Total request from tax levy: $1,729,678
Total budget from all sources: $1,939,078
Total budget increase from all sources: $40,335
(See budget detail PDF)

The proposed increase is $40,335 from property tax support over 2024/2025 appropriation.

The proposed increase, if approved by voters, will be applied to increased operating costs, maintaining library collections and services, computer access, library programs, access to collections, and services via our web site.

How is the money used?
To sustain library operations and provide services.

In 2024:
89,533 people visited the library.
23,968 people have library cards.
207,843 items were borrowed (physical & digital).
21,287 reference questions were answered.
7,526 adults, children, teens, and families attended 308 library programs.
157,085 WiFi sessions.

Library services include:

• A broad collection of materials including a variety of formats: books, large print books, CDs, DVDs & Blu-rays, audio books, magazines, and downloadable e-books, magazines music, and audio books, as well as personalized service to help you find information.
• Access to the Internet and online databases, including a wireless connection for people with electronic devices.
• A community meeting room that serves over 80 organizations at no cost.
• An offering of programs at no cost for children, teens, and adults.
• A community gathering place to read, think, create, and communicate.

About the vote:

The Small Cities School District law allows you to vote on any increase in the annual appropriation from tax levy for the Lockport Public Library. The vote is held every year. This is not a new tax. The library has always received most of its funding from taxes.

The library budget proposition:

The Lockport Public Library is a school district library, which means that it is chartered to serve the same geographic location as the school district. It receives most of its funding from taxes raised by the tax levy. The Library Board of Trustees has proposed an increase of $40,335.00 in the tax levy to support the library's operating budget for fiscal year 2025/2026. This is the amount allowable under the Tax Cap. You are voting "yes" or "no" on the proposed increase.