A Message from the President of the Board of Trustees

In the light of the fact that the library funding mechanism offered to the voters of the Ithaca City School District on February 7th was not approved, the Tompkins County Public Library Board of Trustees would like to thank all those who voted on this very important issue. It is clear that this mechanism, at this time, was not acceptable to the voters of the Ithaca City School District for a variety of reasons. The Board also recognizes that many people who love and support the Library voted against the referendum.

The Board appreciates the sacrifices that many people made in this very difficult campaign. We thank our supporters and our volunteers who gave so generously in time, effort and contributions so that there could be a public vote on the Library’s budget.

Many issues were raised during the campaign which the trustees will consider thoughtfully and thoroughly. Quite a few have been considered previously, but will be re-examined. We continue to welcome your input and comments, your advice and suggestions.

All who believe in the Library as a vital educational and cultural component of this community should be assured that the Board will continue to be responsible stewards of the Library's financial resources and vigorous advocates for excellent library services for every resident of Tompkins County.

Gary Woloszyn, President
Board of Trustees
Tompkins County Public Library
February 22, 2006

Library Loses Election

Voters soundly rejected the library’s proposal to tax Ithaca City School District property owners for supplemental support of the library on February 7, 2006. 3,091 or 65% voted no, 1,679 or 35% voted yes. Voter turnout was high with 17% of registered voters voting.

The most immediate impact is that after Sunday, February 12, we will be closed on Sundays for the foreseeable future.

I would first like to thank all who took the time to vote. You cared about the issue and we appreciate that.

I would also like to thank Lee Miller for his work as the Chair of the Citizens Committee for a Better Funded Library. Since 2002 Lee has been at the forefront of studying the possibilities for a public vote on our budget. He and his volunteer team were dedicated and committed to our cause.

Finally, thanks to all of you who supported this effort. This is a disappointing turn of events, and the impact of a negative vote has long term implications for the library. But the library is resilient and we will survive this vote. Today we will do what we have always done—provide the best library service possible to our community.

Janet Steiner
Library Director