Annual Budget Vote & Trustee Election

Thursday, April 30, 2026 • 12 pm - 8 pm • Community Room

FAQs

How is the Howland Public Library funded?

The library is primarily funded by the taxpayers of the Beacon City School District through an annual budget vote. Additional funding comes from grants and donations.

Why does the library need to hold a vote?

Libraries are free to use but not free to operate. The cost of ebooks and digital materials is higher for libraries than for regular customers. Rising costs of medical insurance, retirement, and inflation have challenged our budget.

Didn’t you just go out for a vote?

Yes, the library holds an annual operating budget vote each spring, which includes a Trustee election. For more information, please contact Gillian Murphy.

I don’t use the library, why should I support it?

Libraries offer more than just books! Our library provides hours of educational and fun programming, streaming movies, downloadable audiobooks, ebooks, digital magazines, museum passes, and more. We are an U.S. Passport Acceptance Facility and have a robust Library of Things, where you can borrow items like a power washer, rake, or sewing machine!

What happens if the vote passes?

The Howland Public Library will continue to provide quality services to our residents. This year we would like to EXPAND LIBRARY HOURS.

What happens if the vote fails?

Increasing costs of materials, wages, and library usage make it difficult to maintain the same level of service. The Board will have to make tough decisions about which services to cut if the vote fails.

Where does the money go?

The money is reinvested in our community through services and resources. Our staff, who help users connect with what they need, are our most valuable resource.

Where and when do I vote?

The vote will be held on Thursday, April 30, 2026, at the Howland Public Library from 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM.

Call for Trustees

Are you creative, community‑oriented, collaborative, and organized?
Do you care about your local library?
If so, consider running for Trustee of the Howland Public Library.

What Do Trustees Do?

The library has significant projects ahead, including addressing our aging building and improving diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusivity in governance and policy.
Trustees provide financial oversight, develop and review policy, participate in community outreach and advocacy, and work with the Library Director to support the mission and Long Range Plan.

Time Commitment

Monthly board meetings: Second Tuesday at 7 PM, typically 1–2 hours
Committee meetings as needed
Average weekly commitment: About 2 hours
Required training: 2 hours of annual trustee education (through MHLS)
Our board includes working parents, caregivers, and community members with varied schedules.

Eligibility

Candidates must be:

U.S. citizens
At least 18 years old
Residents of the Beacon City School District for at least 30 days prior to the election

Open Seats for 2026

There are three seats on the ballot:

One 1‑year term
One 3‑year term
One 5‑year term

How to Run

Petitions must be picked up at the library.
Completed petitions must:

Be notarized
Include at least 25 signatures from eligible Beacon City School District voters
Be returned to the library clerk by 5 PM on March 27, 2026

The election will take place on Thursday, April 30, 2026.