POTSDAM -- The Potsdam Public Library will hold a vote for their 2017-18 budget and to elect three trustees.

The budget totals $539,700, an increase of $12,700 over last year. A statement from the library says this would increase the tax bill on a $100,000 home by 87 cents per year. The proposed tax rate is 98 cents per $1,000 of assessed value.

The vote will be from noon to 8 p.m. June 14 in the Potsdam Civic Center, 2 Park St.

There will be a June 7 public hearing at 7 p.m. in the civic center’s community room.

The library released statements written by the trustees about themselves, which are below in their entirety:

Maureen Taylor - “Although I am originally from Iowa, I have made Potsdam my home since 1983 with my husband, Stephen, son Zachery, and daughter Elysia. I hold a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Minnesota and a masters of science in counseling from St. Lawrence University. I am employed at SUNY Potsdam for the Student Government Association as their business manager. I have served on the board of the Canton-Potsdam Hospital Guild as a treasurer and secretary and currently serve the Potsdam Town and Country Club Board of Directors. In these capacities, I have had the opportunity to oversee budgets, balance books and organize events. I would bring these skills to the table if elected to the library board of directors. I believe the Potsdam Library is a valuable resource as well as a refuge in our community. I love to read and our library makes reading, and so much more, accessible to the public. The range of services the library offers is impressive. From assistance with personal taxes to the literacy program and even computer courses, this valuable community resource provides something for everyone. Presently, I contribute to the library in a small way by donating the books and CDs I enjoy. However, I am willing to do more to enhance the great services the library already provides to the members of our community.”

Erin Cheney - “My name is Erin Cheney and I am running for a second term on the Potsdam Public Library Board of Trustees. Over the past three years, I have served on the Finance, Community Relations, Audit and Long-Term Planning Committees. I have also served as Board President since July, 2016. I hold a bachelor of arts degree in history and museum studies from SUNY Potsdam and a master of arts degree in public history from Southern New Hampshire University. I am currently pursuing a master of library and information science degree with a focus on archival studies. I am a North Country native. I grew up in Malone, and moved to Potsdam in 1987. I am passionate about local history and genealogy. My husband and I live in West Stockholm with our three children, all of whom attend Potsdam Central School. The Potsdam Public Library has always been an important place for our family. We borrow books, e-books and DVDs. I often attend classes held at the Fred W. Cleveland Computing Center, and use the library’s free Ancestry.com service. I find refuge in the library when I need a peaceful place to do schoolwork, and there is always a friendly staff member available to help me find the resources I need. By serving on the Potsdam Public Library’s Board of Trustees, I feel like I am giving back to the institution that has given me so much. I am excited about the future of the library, and look forward to being a part of it for the next three years.”

Kathy Love - “Hello, my name is Kathy Love. I have been a resident of Potsdam for 40 years. I spent my entire career working at and supporting the Crumb Memorial Library and SUNY Potsdam. I am now retired with my post-retirement job being a substitute teacher aide in the Potsdam Central School system. I am a self-published children's author, a blogger, and a hospice volunteer. I fully support the good work they do. I also fully support the work that our public library does. When I visit the library (which is often) it feels like coming home. Our library may appear small but it is big on services. Most budgets do not allow for the purchase of the very expensive new books when they come out. Our library sees to it that we all have access to them. A favorite sight of mine is that small child holding a stack of books, excited to get them home and start reading. Young readers become adult readers who can become leaders. I am looking forward to representing our library as a trustee.”