414 Budget Vote

Greetings New Paltz Community,

The results are in! Thank you so much for your overwhelming support of the Elting Memorial Library in the 2025 vote. Your support means the world to me, and gives me hope for a bright and fulfilling year for New Paltz. 

I am looking forward to another year of great reads, shared stories, and connecting with you all. I also look forward to continuing key library services: from printing important documents to tech help; passport assistance to local history; and all of the ways we will learn and grow together.  

Thank you, again!

Crystal Middleton, Library Director 

The purpose of this page is to provide information to the community of New Paltz regarding the Elting Memorial Library’s upcoming VOTE on November 4, 2025. Any questions, concerns, or comments can be directed to Richard Heyl de Ortiz, President of the Board of Trustees.

WHAT?

Under Chapter 414 of NYS Education Law 259, the Elting Memorial Library will hold a vote this Fall. On Tuesday, November 4, 2025 there will be a proposition on the ballot for the general election. This proposition will ask the following:

SHALL THE ANNUAL CONTRIBUTION OF THE TOWN OF NEW PALTZ PROVIDED IN ITS BUDGET FOR THE ELTING MEMORIAL LIBRARY, A FREE ASSOCIATION LIBRARY, LOCATED AT NEW PALTZ, NEW YORK, BE INCREASED BY SEVENTY FIVE THOUSAND ($75,000) DOLLARS ANNUALLY TO EIGHT HUNDRED FORTY FOUR THOUSAND ($844,000) DOLLARS ANNUALLY?

Elting's referendum question is one of two on this year's ballot.  Referendum questions are on the back of the ballot. 

WHEN & WHERE?

Elting Memorial Library’s proposition will be on the General Election ballot this November 4, 2025. Voting will take place at your regular polling place.

Helpful Links:

Early Voting Information

Sample Ballot

Look up your polling site

WHY?

Libraries need sustainable funding! Libraries provide essential services that people count on. Securing adequate, stable funding for a library is critical. It is recommended that all libraries secure funding through a public vote on their tax levy.Generating a direct relationship between the library and taxpayers ensures accountability and transparency. When a library is providing quality library service that responds to community needs and priorities, a community is willing to invest in that library.

“The public library is where place and possibility meet.”
— Stuart Dybek
An older woman browses a selection of books on a table.
A young boy is exclaiming excitedly while holding a homemade puppet.

Important Vote FAQ

Here are some commonly asked questions about your library’s 414 vote, which is coming up on November 5, 2024.

  • Under Chapter 414 of NYS Education Law 259, the Elting Memorial Library will hold a vote this fall. On November 4, 2025, there will be a proposition on the ballot for the general election. This proposition will ask the following:

    SHALL THE ANNUAL CONTRIBUTION OF THE TOWN OF NEW PALTZ PROVIDED IN ITS BUDGET FOR THE ELTING MEMORIAL LIBRARY, A FREE ASSOCIATION LIBRARY, LOCATED AT NEW PALTZ, NEW YORK, BE INCREASED BY SEVENTY FIVE THOUSAND ($75,000) DOLLARS ANNUALLY TO EIGHT HUNDRED FORTY FOUR THOUSAND ($844,000) DOLLARS ANNUALLY?

  • The vote will be held on Tuesday, November 4, 2025. You can vote in your normal polling facility.

    For additional information contact the Ulster Board of Elections.

  • Libraries are FREE to use, but not free to operate. Costs continuing to rise for things like staff health coverage, contractor services, and materials means that normal overall operations continue to increase. Digital materials such as ebooks and audiobooks cost more for libraries than for a regular consumer. It adds up!

    Additionally, Elting currently needs to:

    • assess its collections and services

    • attend to deferred maintenance of the historic building

  • WHO needs libraries? Everyone! Libraries are busier than ever. Elting is no exception. With online resources available, and a new library app, materials are available to you at home and on the go. There are public computers, wifi, printing and faxing available every day. There are programs for all ages, and study rooms to book for a meeting or a quiet place to work. Unique items such as Library of Things, Library of Local, and the Haviland-Heidgerd Historical Collection make Elting special.

  • The library employs between 14 and 16 individuals who provide direct services to the public.  Volunteers provide assistance with a variety of tasks.

    Learn more about the Board of Trustees.

  • With 4,971 households (according to the U.S. Census for 2021), a $75,000 increase means about a $15 annual tax increase per household. Basically, the increase amounts to $1.25 per month per household.

  • The increase helps Elting continue to provide quality services, programs, and materials to the community. This includes access to online and local resources, special collections such as the zines and library of things, and our historical collection.

  • Unfortunately the increasing costs of materials, benefits, and library usage is making it difficult to continue to provide the same level of service. The library would work hard to meet the community’s needs but it would have to make adjustments. Hard decisions might include reduced hours, programming, purchases, and services.

  • The money goes back to our community in the form of services and resources. Our staff is probably our biggest resource. They are the ones who help connect patrons with what they need.

Find out how much you saved by using your library.

Library Value Calculator