NANUET, NY – Residents of the Nanuet School District will head to the polls on October 16, 2024, to vote on a proposed $12.9 million bond that aims to fund critical infrastructure repairs and expand facilities at the Nanuet Public Library. Voting will take place from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. at the library.
The bond, if approved, will allow the library to address issues related to the building’s aging infrastructure, some of which dates back to the late 1980s. Library Director Jessica Bowen Ossa highlighted the ongoing challenges posed by the outdated plumbing and electrical systems, explaining that the building is no longer capable of supporting modern equipment. The last major upgrades were made more than 30 years ago, well before the advent of the internet and the digital revolution that has changed how people use libraries.
Over the years, Nanuet Public Library has become more than just a place to borrow books; it has transformed into a community hub, receiving over 60,000 visits annually. The library hosts a wide range of programs, with more than 14,000 attendees each year, and offers vital resources to local residents. However, the building’s current condition makes it difficult to meet these growing demands. Issues like water leaks have led to damage to hundreds of books, and space limitations have made it challenging to accommodate all visitors, particularly during peak times when after-school programming is in full swing.
The bond would fund expansions that include additional study spaces, new tutoring rooms, a dedicated area for teenagers, and upgraded infrastructure to protect the library’s resources from further damage. According to Bowen Ossa, the library is in urgent need of these improvements, and repairs are no longer feasible. “People really want this to be their third space, and we just don’t have the room the way it’s laid out,” she said.
Another key focus of the bond is enhancing early childhood programs. The library offers free enrichment programs that support speech and language development for young children, helping families expose their children to socialization and learning opportunities in an affordable way. Lauren Banks, Head of Children’s Services, emphasized the importance of these programs, which often attract far more attendees than the library’s current space can safely accommodate. If the bond passes, the library would be able to expand rooms and better serve families in the community.
Although the bond would result in an increase in taxes over the next 15 years, with the average annual cost estimated at around $200 per household, Bowen Ossa believes it is a necessary investment. She encourages residents with questions to contact her directly for more information about how the bond would impact their taxes.
The vote will take place at Nanuet Public Library on October 16 from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.