A Letter to Our Neighbors: Supporting the Future of the Bovina Public Library

Dear Neighbors,

Libraries are more than buildings that hold books. They are gateways to exploration, education and community engagement for all residents. This is especially true of the Bovina Public Library, which traces its roots back almost two hundred years. Times, admittedly, have changed since the town’s first library opened in 1835. Today, our modern facility resides appropriately enough at the center of our hamlet in a beautifully renovated schoolhouse.

Bovina’s library, not surprisingly, now serves up a rich selection of books, magazines, DVDs, audiobooks and e-files—all provided free for those holding a simple yet powerful library card. And if something isn’t immediately available, Annette Corvelo, our librarian, is always ready to help get it. The benefits don’t end there. In addition to computer, fax and copying services, the library hosts an expanding menu of community events and activities, including cooking classes, weekly Feldenkrais sessions, amazing art and wellness events, and book readings and historical lectures, just to name a few. And virtually all these events are free. Also, the library can be used for private events and group meetings even when the library is closed.

Ultimately, the library does so much with so little. Unfortunately, for all it offers, our library is under constant financial strain. Even with strict budgeting practices, robust fund-raising efforts, periodic grants, investment income and a small allocation from the town, it operates at an annual loss. What’s worse is that these annual losses threaten the long-term viability of this community treasure.

This is why community members joined forces earlier this year to put a proposition on the ballot this Election Day to enact a Bovina tax levy to provide ongoing financial support for the library. This was not done lightly. We recognize that tax increases are not popular. The proposed levy would add approximately $1 in taxes for every $1,000 of assessed property value.

Is there a cost to supporting Bovina’s library? Yes. Is it worth this small investment? Again, we would argue yes. Our library helps make Bovina a stronger and richer community and that benefits everyone in terms of education, engagement, community growth and even property values.

We therefore strongly encourage you to vote YES on Proposal Two this November 4^th. You’ll find it on the backside of your ballot. 

Please help us keep Bovina strong and our library alive. Vote yes on Proposal Two.

Bovina Public Library 

Board of Trustees

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"Our libraries serve the precious liberties of our nation: freedom of inquiry, freedom of the spoken and the written word, freedom of exchange of ideas."

Dwight D Eisenhower