Board Trustee Vacancy: On May 19, 2026, the Marlboro Free Library will hold an election to fill two open seats on its Board of Trustees. The vacancies have occurred due to the expiration of two incumbent trustees’ terms. The person receiving the first- and second-highest number of votes cast for them will be elected to the first two Trustee seats and will serve a full five-year term commencing on July 1, 2026. The election will be held on May 19, 2026 at the same time and in the same location as the Marlboro Central School District’s annual vote. Petitions can be picked up at the Marlboro Free Library, 1251 Route 9W, Marlboro, NY 12542, or at the Marlboro Central School District, 21 Milton Turnpike, Suite 100, Milton, NY 12547, during regular business hours. 

An eligible District resident who is interested in having their name placed on the ballot as a candidate for an open seat on the Board of Trustees must submit a Nominating Petition containing the signatures of at least 25 qualified voters in the Marlboro Central School District to the Clerk of the Marlboro Central School District, 21 Milton Turnpike, Suite 100, Milton, NY, not later than 5:00 p.m. on Monday, April 20, 2026. The Library also asks that you notify the Library of your candidacy by also providing copies of your Nominating Petition to the Library Director by that date and time.

Who may be nominated as a candidate for election as Member of the Board of Trustees of the Library? Any person at least 18 years old who is a U.S. citizen, is a resident of the Marlboro Central School District for at least one year immediately preceding the election, and who is not otherwise disqualified from voting under Election Law § 5-106 (a “qualified voter”). Employees of the Marlboro Free Library and members of the same household are ineligible.

Absentee Ballots: Contact the District Clerk’s office at the Marlboro Central School District, 21 Milton Turnpike, Suite 100, Milton, NY 12547, for more information. 

Budget Vote: Marlboro Free Library Budget Vote & Trustee Election

Residents of the Marlboro Central School District will have the opportunity to vote in the Marlboro Free Library’s Annual Budget Vote and Trustee Election on May 19, 2026, at the Marlboro Central School District, 21 Milton Turnpike, Milton, NY. The Library’s budget and trustee election will appear on the District’s ballot.

The Library is proposing a 2026–2027 operating tax levy of $997,294.16, a 5.29% increase, with a total proposed budget of $1,043,542.00. The Library last requested a budget increase in 2023. The proposed budget reflects the Library’s projected operating costs for the 2026–2027 fiscal year.

Factors Affecting the Proposed Budget
The proposed increase is not related to the Library’s construction project. The project was funded through more than $1.4 million in New York State Aid for Library Construction grants, private donations, and the Library’s Reserve Building Fund, supported by long-term planning by prior directors and trustees. The Library remained open with modified hours during construction.

Like many institutions, the Library is experiencing rising operational costs. Key factors include:

Loss of Danskammer PILOT funds
The expiration of this funding created a revenue shortfall that must now be absorbed within the Library’s operating budget.

Increased audit and compliance costs
The Library continues to receive clean audits. Updated auditing standards and rising professional fees have increased the cost of required financial oversight and compliance.

Rising insurance expenses
Health insurance and building insurance premiums costs continue to increase annually.

Higher digital material costs
Demand for eBooks and audiobooks continues to grow. Unlike physical books, digital materials require ongoing licensing fees to maintain access, and these costs increase regularly.

Increasing technology and software costs
Many essential software systems used by the Library have shifted from one-time purchases to ongoing subscription models, increasing annual operating costs.

Rising costs for everyday supplies and utilities
Operational expenses such as postage, programming supplies, and utilities continue to increase. The Library seeks grants when possible to support programming and services.

Where Your Library Dollars Go

Library funding supports services and resources available to district residents, including:

Materials and Resources
Books, magazines, DVDs, audiobooks, eBooks, museum passes, WiFi hotspots, Chromebooks, and online research tools.

Programs and Services
Programs for all ages, including early literacy programs, author visits, technology assistance, passport and notary services, and community events.

Technology Access
Public computers, printing, scanning, copying, free WiFi access, and digital resources such as databases, streaming services, online learning platforms, and local history preservation.

Facilities and Operations
Building operations, maintenance, insurance, and essential supplies.

Staffing and Public Access
Library staff and operating hours that provide public access to services and resources for District residents.