Petition drive underway for Monroe Free Library budget

MONROE-The Monroe Free Library is asking taxpayers in the Town of Monroe to sign a petition allowing the library's operating budget for 2006 to appear on the ballot on Tuesday, Nov. 8. The library needs 1,000 signatures of registered voters in the Town of Monroe, which includes residents of the Village of Monroe, Village of Harriman and Village of Kiryas Joel. The library is asking for an increase to the budget of $124,995, bringing the total budget to $1,047,545. The new budget allows more new music CDs and DVDs, videos, and books-on-tape. The budget provides for increased telecommunication and automation costs, plus increased customer service costs. This also reflects increased operating costs such as electricity, equipment, insurance, oil and supplies. "This budget allows the community of Monroe to maintain and improve their library's collections and services," said Marilyn McIntosh, director of the Monroe Free Library. "We are able to provide the books, CDs, DVDs, etc., that people request, plus popular programs like story time, our adult crafts and bus trips because of the support of the public. Our library is successful not only because of our excellent staff, but because the voters of Monroe have voted for their library budget time after time." Registered voters in the Town of Monroe who wish to sign the petition can stop at the circulation desk of the Monroe Free Library, at 44 Millpond Parkway in the Village of Monroe. "We here at the library appreciate the public's support," McIntosh said. "I'm happy to answer any questions from the public and can be reached at 783-4411."