Pawling Library Seeks Community Support
Nine years ago, the Pawling Library adopted the slogan “Come Grow With Us”. Over the years, they have been growing in tandem with the community in an effort to better reflect the needs and interests of Pawling residents. This November, the library will be asking the citizens of Pawling for something that hasn’t been asked of them in nearly a decade. The library is in need of additional dollars to offset the gradual rise in operating expenses and they are hoping that voters will approve a small increase to the municipal budget appropriation under Chapter 414 of New York State education law. The proposed increase of 15% is in line with cumulative inflation rates since 2009. What this means for each household is an additional $11.44 for each $100,000 of assessed home valuation. What this means for the library is an ability to meet ever-increasing community expectations by providing both physical and digital materials, programs and events, physical space, and computers that reflect Pawling’s current and future needs. The funds will also help them keep pace with the inflationary costs of salaries and health care premiums.