To the Editor:

The Massena Public Library seeks to establish itself as a School District Public Library.  

The library was originally chartered as a municipal library by the NYS Board of Regents in 1935. The library is sponsored by the Town of Massena, which appoints the library board and sets the annual budget, which is funded by town taxes. The library also raises funds through grants and donations. 

Transitioning to a School District Public Library doesn’t mean the mission or services offered by the library will change – the “School District” part of the name reflects the service area of the library; and it is important to note that the library will continue to operate independently of the Massena Central School system. 

School District Libraries differ from Municipal Libraries in two key areas: governance and funding. Under the School District model, district voters elect trustees and may run for a position on the board. These Libraries are still funded by taxes, but the voters residing within the district can vote on the funding requests. As a district library, the Board has autonomy over developing the annual budget.  

Under the Library’s current standing as a municipal library, the Town of Massena appoints members of the board- there is no direct input from the taxpayers on the selection of trustees or on the annual budget. 

Establishing the library under the School District model has several significant benefits: the election of trustees encourages community involvement and offers more transparency into library governance, and school district funding is stable and predictable. With stable funding and greater control over operations, the library can better tailor services to the needs of the community and engage in long-term strategic planning, rather than focusing solely on short-term needs due to unknown budget allocations each year.  

The library provides services free of charge to all, regardless of township. In fact, residents outside the town account for one-third of library cardholders. A library established under the School District model will ensure more equitable support among all beneficiaries of library services. 

Visit the Massena Public Library website at massenapubliclibrary.org for more info about the May 21st vote to transition to a school district library.  If you are interested in running for election to the library board, contact School District Clerk Ashley Snyder at (315) 764-3700 ext 3008 or email asnyder@mcs.k12.ny.us for information on how to get on the ballot.  

Joseph Savoca, President 
Jennifer Stokes, Vice President
Board of Trustees
Massena Public Library