UPDATE: The results are in; read how these ballot initiatives fared here.
In the midst of the numerous congressional seats, gubernatorial spots, and ballot measures that will be decided this Election Day 2014, today’s vote will also be pivotal to the future of some local library systems. Here is a snapshot of referenda across the country in which voters will decide the fate of library funding in their local community.
• Accomack County, Virginia – Voters will decide whether to approve $3.5 million for a new facility for the Eastern Shore Public Library to replace the current 50-year-old building.
• Cape Elizabeth, Maine – A referendum is on the ballot to authorize town officials to borrow $4 million and spend as much as $4.2 million to renovate and expand the Thomas Memorial Library.
• Falmouth, Maine – A referendum is on the ballot to allow town officials to borrow as much as $2.8 million to cover half of the estimated $5.6 million cost to renovate and expand the Falmouth Memorial Library.
• Lemont, Illinois – Voters will be asked to approve a $2.8 million renovation project for the Lemont Public Library.
• Park Ridge, Illinois – A referendum is on the ballot asking voters to approve an increased tax rate for the Park Ridge Library from .150% to .368% over the next four years, restoring prior cuts in materials, personnel, services, and hours.
• Charlotte, North Carolina – Mecklenburg County voters will decide whether to increase the county sales tax by a quarter-cent per dollar spent. Eighty percent of the money raised would go to Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools for teacher salaries; the rest would be split between Central Piedmont Community College, the Arts and Science Council, and Charlotte Mecklenburg Library.