FAQs - New Orleans Public Library

NEW ORLEANS
PUBLIC LIBRARY
MILLAGE PROPOSITION
ELECTION
VOTE
May 2
2015
FAQ’s
Why is the City Council asking residents to
vote on a Millage Proposition?
What happens if the Library doesn’t receive the
tax revenue?
As determined by the Library Board of Directors, the current
funding the Library receives is not adequate to support the
current level of collections, programs, services, and staffing.
Since 2012, the Library has had to use $3M per year from its
reserve funds to maintain the current level of service. The City
Council has approved placing a question on the May 2nd ballot
asking voters if they support an increase in the amount of
taxpayer funding the Library receives.
The Library will lose over a quarter of its current operating
revenue. This will result in a drastic reduction in hours of
operation (up to 35%), the closing of up to 7 of 14 library
locations, or significant cuts in funding for collections, programs
and technology–or some possible combination of all of these. Any
final decisions would be made by the Library Board and City.
Where does the Library get its funding?
From the current 3.14 mill library dedicated property tax. During
the years immediately following Hurricane Katrina, property
tax revenue continued to accrue to support the Library even
though many library locations were either closed or downsized.
By 2012, these funds, combined with pre-existing reserve
monies, had accumulated to approximately $12M. Since that
time, with the opening of five new and larger libraries, it has
been necessary to combine annual reserve funds, up to $3M
per each year, with property tax revenue to maintain minimal
levels of service. By 2016, the Library’s reserve funds will be
exhausted and no longer available to augment operations.
How long will this proposed tax be collected?
Through 2040 – 25 years.
Of all parish-wide taxes collected by the City,
what portion does the Library receive?
The Library receives 2.1% of the total taxes collected by the City
(3.14 mills).
How does the Library use the tax revenue it
receives now?
The New Orleans Public Library depends on property tax
revenue to support most of its operations. This encompasses
the overall operation and staffing of 14 locations and their
general maintenance, maintaining and increasing the collection
of collection of books, e-books, DVDs, CDs, the maintenance
of almost 300 heavily used public access computers, and the
development of programs and events.
How will the Library spend the increased tax
revenue?
The Library will increase hours of operation by almost 30%,
providing 7 days a week service at 6 Libraries (M-Th 10a-8p,
F-Sa 10a-5p, and Su 1p-5p) and 6 days a week service at 9
Libraries (M-Th 10a-8p, F-Sa 10a-5p). Increase funding for
collections, programs, and technology. Re-open the Nora Navra
Library in the 7th Ward (renovation funds are already secured by
FEMA).
Are people using the New Orleans Public
Library?
Yes. In 2014, over 1.1 million items were checked out of the
Library, 373,000 people used Library computers, and over 52,000
children, teens and adults attended 3,108 Library programs.
How does funding for the New Orleans Public
Library compare to other Library systems?
The New Orleans Public Library receives the lowest library
funding, $23.70 per capita, of all Parishes in the New Orleans
Metro area. For example, Jefferson Parish Library receives
$49.49 per capita.
See comparisons to other library systems.
When is the election being held and where do I
vote?
The election will be held SATURDAY, MAY 2, 2015 from 7 am to 8
pm. To find your voting precinct or other election details, contact
the Louisiana Secretary of State’s Election Division:
website - geauxvote.com, phone - 800-883-2805.
Where do I register to vote and when is the
registration deadline?
You can get voter registration information from the Orleans Parish
Registrar of Voters Office: website - nola.gov/registrar, phone504-658-8300, or email - [email protected].
The election is on the second Saturday of Jazz
Fest, can I vote early?
Yes, early voting is April 18-25, 2015. To find the early voting
locations, contact the Orleans Parish Registrar of Voters Office:
website - nola.gov/registrar, phone- 504-658-8300, or [email protected].
How can I help?
For information about supporting the Library, contact the Friends
of the New Orleans Public Library: phone - 504-292-4803 or
email - [email protected].
www.neworleanspubliclibrary.org