library

The tax levy in the three municipalities that comprise the library district will remain the same for 2023 as this year — $937,522 from Glens Falls, $1.94 million from Queensbury and $809,926 from Moreau.

“We are cognizant of the economic challenges everyone is under,” said library Director Kathy Naftaly in a telephone interview.

Some property owners may see a change in their tax bill due to revaluations, but that is a process the library has no control over, Naftaly said.

Late fines will be eliminated for books, videos and related items.

The library board determined that some children were not using the library because their parents had accumulated late fines that had to be paid before checking out more books.

“We will remove that barrier to access,” Naftaly said.

A few specialty items, such as disc golf kits, will still result in fines if not returned on time.

Patrons will still be charged for damaged or lost materials.

Spending in the proposed library budget would increase from $5.17 million this year to $5.3 million in 2023 because of increased state, county and private funding.

This continues a trend of the property tax levy covering a reduced share of the total budget.

The tax levy would cover 70.1% of the proposed 2023 budget, down from 71.8% this year, 76.4% in 2021 and 77.1% in 2020.

The Crandall Trust, the entity that manages the estate of philanthropist and library co-founder Henry Crandall, will contribute $120,000 in 2023, up from $108,000 this year.

“Its board has a thorough investment strategy, and, in spite of a volatile market, they are still ahead of the game,” Naftaly said.

State library aid will increase from $104,206 to $126,675, and Warren County’s contribution will increase from $17,280 to $26,400.

Spending for library materials would increase from $417,640 to $458,809.

Much of the increase will be used to purchase multiple copies of electronic versions of recent…