Would you make an investment of $4 million if you were guaranteed a $15 million return?

That is exactly the return you get by investing in your New City Library.  The chart below illustrates the cost of library services if you had to pay for them directly.

These numbers are simple economics. Library value goes beyond dollars and cents.

Libraries are fundamental to our country's democratic values.  They enhance the quality of our everyday life, providing an educational resource not only for students but people of all ages and from all walks of life.  They offer economic viability not just as a business resource, but in making an area an attractive place to live and work.

The New City Library furnishes its customers with the most current information and technology.  Open 67 hours each week, the library provides over 200,000 items.  The depth and breadth of the collection exceeds most retail outlets.  In addition, the library administers over 70 subscription databases which are available from home, school or office 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

The library contributes to the future of our community by serving our children and teens.  Take a look at our newest on-line subscription for children called Tumble Books ™, available on the homepage of our website.  This product allows our younger customers to peruse e-books, join book discussions, create crafts, and enjoy music.  Or come visit our teen area, designed around what teens want from the library.

The budget request for the coming year is well below any inflationary factors.  The New City Library remains dedicated to providing the best possible customer service experience while holding the line on expenditures.

The New City Library has adopted a revised set of bylaws aimed at making the application, nomination, and election process for library board trustees open and inclusive.  As a result the Trustee Election will be held on Wednesday, December 10, from 9 a.m. until 9 p.m.  This is the same date and time as the budget referendum, but will take place in a separate room.

Trustee votes can only be cast at the New City Library. Any member of the library can vote. Absentee ballots for the trustee election will be available weekdays from 9am until 5pm in the library's administrative office after December 3.  These ballots must be returned to the polling place by 5pm on December 10.

There are three seats open this year.  Candidates who receive the highest number of votes will become trustees.  Individual biographical information on the candidates will be available at all our public service desks seven days before the election.  Once elected, trustees serve three-year terms.

The library board has endorsed three candidates:

Douglas Albrecht
Martus Granirer
Olahannan Poulose

You are already registered if you voted in any annual or special election during the last four calendar years.