The Plattekill Public Library is preparing to ask voters to approve a $6.9 million bond for a new library building, with trustees planning to focus their public presentations on a basic question: How extensively is the library being used, and how has that use changed?

At the library’s September Board of Trustees meeting, members pointed to increasing program participation, more than 3,000 cardholders and continued demand for children’s and community activities as evidence that the existing building is no longer meeting the needs of the community.

The library has scheduled two public forums on the proposal. The first is Monday, Sept. 21, at 6 p.m. at the library, followed by a second forum Wednesday, Sept. 23, at 7 p.m. at Plattekill Town Hall.

According to information published by the library, the proposed capital project is estimated at $6.9 million, with financing projected over approximately 25 years. Based on an average assessed home value of $211,900, the library estimates the additional tax cost at about $165 per year, or approximately $14 per month.

The library notes that the figures are estimates and that the actual tax impact would vary based on individual assessed property values.

Library use extends beyond books
Trustees said one of their challenges will be explaining how the role of a public library has expanded beyond lending books and other materials.

Recent participation numbers illustrate that change.

The library’s summer reading program attracted 209 registered participants — 149 children, 33 teenagers and 27 adults — who collectively read 2,399 books.
Other recent programs included an outdoor ecology program attended by about 20 children, a hands-on archaeology program and a children’s musical performance. Upcoming programs include beginner Mahjong classes, a Halloween event, a Medicare program and the return of the library’s Chess Club.

Library statistics show broader growth in usage. The number of cardholders increased from 2,707 in 2020 to 3,380 in 2025, an increase of nearly 25%.
Program attendance increased from 512 in 2020 to 3,280 in 2025, while total circulation rose from 15,894 to 25,749.

Those figures are expected to be a central part of the library’s presentations as residents consider the bond proposal.

“As we do these presentations here, I’m sure somebody’s going to ask, ‘Why do we need a library? What do you do?’” Vice President Joseph Egan said.
Trustees said they want presentations to include statistics, photographs and examples of programs and services to demonstrate how residents are using the facility.

Board President William Farrell recalled that town officials were surprised during an earlier presentation when they learned the library had more than 3,000 cardholders.

“I can’t believe you have over 3,000 library cards out,” Farrell recalled one councilman saying.

Accessibility, space among concerns
According to the library’s building project materials, stairs and limited space were among the leading concerns identified in a community survey.
The library describes the existing facility as not ADA-compliant and says its limited programming space restricts children’s and adult activities.

The proposed building would be approximately 7,000 square feet, providing additional space for programs and services.

The library reports that about 75% of survey respondents rated its collections and programs as excellent or good, while more than 90% gave those ratings to customer service. The building and accessibility received the weakest ratings.
Trustees said those results will be important as residents evaluate the proposal.
The board discussed displaying architectural renderings and other informational materials during public presentations so residents can see what is being proposed and better understand the services currently offered.

Bond would finance new building

The library’s current financial plan calls for a $6.9 million capital project.
Its published analysis estimates that a property assessed at $100,000 would see an additional cost of about $78 per year, while properties assessed at $200,000 and $300,000 would see estimated increases of approximately $156 and $234, respectively.

The library stresses that the calculations are based on assessed value, not market value.

Trustees also discussed a change to the proposed building’s structural design that could allow the project to be financed over a longer period.

According to the board discussion, the original wood structural design would have fallen under a classification allowing a shorter financing term. Architects are instead moving toward steel structural members to meet a fire-resistant classification that would permit approximately 25-year financing.

Trustees said the change could add about $100,000 to that portion of construction. They said the overall project would remain at $6.9 million, with adjustments made elsewhere in the project budget to offset the additional cost.
The library’s public bond information lists an estimated financing period of 25 years, from approximately 2027 through 2051.

Improvements continue at current facility
While trustees pursue a new building, improvements are continuing at the existing library.

The board reported on a replacement electrical panel, an upcoming stair lift installation, planned septic system work and a proposed set of double doors that would provide another emergency exit.

Many of the improvements are being supported through grants.

The library has said upgrades to the existing building are grant-funded and separate from the proposed $6.9 million bond for construction of a new facility.

Public forums scheduled
The upcoming public forums will give residents an opportunity to learn more about the proposed building and ask questions before the bond vote.
The first forum is scheduled for Monday, Sept. 21, at 6 p.m. at the Plattekill Public Library. The second will be held Wednesday, Sept. 23, at 7 p.m. at Plattekill Town Hall.

For library trustees, the discussion is not simply about the size or design of a new building. They said it is also about demonstrating how the community is using the library and whether its physical space can accommodate that demand.

Library figures show program attendance increased more than sixfold between 2020 and 2025, while the number of cardholders surpassed 3,000 and circulation approached 26,000 items last year.

The summer reading program alone drew 209 participants.

Those figures will be presented to residents as they consider whether to authorize the $6.9 million bond and the additional property-tax expense associated with the proposed new library.