The change to school district-based funding would provide a sustainable and reliable source of funding for the library, she said. It would allow the library to offer expanded hours and services and deal with maintenance issues that have been put on hold for lack of funds.
If the proposition passes, there would be no automatic increases to the amount in the future; any requests for additional funding would be voted on by the community.
Bishop said she hopes people will realize the library is a valuable resource to the entire community – not just the village of Ilion – and will support the proposition. While the library’s activities have been curtailed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the staff still found ways to serve the community, including taking orders for materials for pickup and providing weekly craft kits for children.