Your Library—Your Vote

On Election Day, Town of Chatham voters will have an opportunity to vote on a referendum to increase annual funding for the North Chatham Free Library by $10,000. This will allow us to keep up with inflation and continue to provide a full range of services to the community. The referendum will appear on the back of the ballot. For a taxpayer whose home is now assessed at $300,000, the increase would be about $3 a year.

FAQs About the Referendum

What is the referendum?

It is a proposition on the election ballot in November that allows taxpayers to designate a specific amount of tax dollars for the library. If approved, the Town of Chatham will fund the library at the approved level, starting in 2026.

How much is the North Chatham Library asking for?

We are asking for an annual increase of $10,000 to add to the current funding level for a total annual appropriation of $110,000.

How will this vote affect my taxes?

For each $100,000 of assessed property value, you would pay approximately an additional $1 per year. For example, if your property is assessed at $300,000, you would pay about $3 more for the year.

Why is this increase necessary?

Our last increase, in 2022, was our first in 18 years. It allowed us to expand hours by 40%, implement new programs and hire a Library Director with a master’s degree. In 2024, we were gifted the historic Trolley Station on Route 32 which serves as the Library Annex and permanent home of the North Chatham Historical Society. It comes with many opportunities, but also represents additional operating costs for the library. In order to continue providing as much as we can for our community, and properly take care of our buildings and employees, we need to ask for an increase. We are requesting $10,000 to keep up with inflation. We believe this to be a fiscally responsible measure.

What does the library’s budget go towards?

Most of our budget goes towards basic operating costs: personnel costs to keep the library open, building maintenance and other expenditures to meet our patrons’ growing demands. In addition to our print collection, we have significantly expanded the amount of digital material available to patrons, in the form of videos, online collections and streaming services. These electronic formats provide access to far more resources, but they are also more expensive than print. Our WiFi and computers are heavily used by the community, and usage increased during COVID. In a typical year, we serve as a meeting place for community groups and events, offering over 100 programs and gatherings for adults (online and in-person), as well as reading circles and summer activities for children.

Why doesn’t the library seek more grants & donations and hold fundraisers instead of increasing taxes?

Public funding accounts for approximately 70% of the library’s 2025 budget. The balance comes from grants, donations and fundraising events. The library board and staff work hard to develop these funding sources. However, grants and donations are not predictable revenue streams and often come with restrictions that fall outside of general operating expenses. For the bulk of our operating costs the library needs stable funding to provide the level of service that our community deserves. This level of public support is consistent with “best practices” as recommended by the Mid-Hudson Library System.

I live in the Village of Chatham and support the Chatham Public Library. Why pay for North Chatham Library, too?

Libraries are a public good. A strong library enhances the quality of life for all town residents by serving as a community center and offering opportunities for life-long learning. Libraries contribute to student success, social cohesion, and digital inclusion.The North Chatham Library complements the Chatham Public Library, with programming and resources available to all in the Town of Chatham.

I don’t even use the library, so why should I pay for it?

Libraries are a public good. A strong library enhances the quality of life for all town residents by serving as a community center and by offering opportunities for life-long learning. Libraries contribute to student success, social cohesion, and digital inclusion — essential elements to a healthy and vibrant community.

Reminder: Flip the ballot over to vote on the referendum.

Please visit

We welcome you to come and see how the library has evolved. You can use our Wifi and computers for free or send faxes at a modest charge. You may be surprised to learn that many library resources can be accessed from your own home if you have a library card: eBooks, eMagazines, movies, on-line courses and even museum passes. We hope you’ll also “check us out” in person by participating in one of the many programs and events we offer throughout the year.

UPCOMING ELECTION:

Tuesday, November 4, 2025

Voter Registration Deadlines

By Mail: postmarked no later than October 14, 2025 and received by the Board of Elections (BOE) no later than October 25, 2025
In Person: October 25, 2025
Change of Address: Received by BOE by October 20, 2025

Election Day--November 4—Designated Poll Sites

Polls will be open from 6:00am-9:00pm

Chatham Town Hall: Chatham District 1
Mary E. Dardess Elementary School: Chatham Districts 2 & 5
Tri-Village Fire Department: Chatham Districts 3, 4 & 6

Early Voting

Begins on Saturday, October 25 and runs through Sunday, November 2, 2025.

Town of Chatham registered voters can vote at the early voting site located at 401 State Street, Hudson, NY 12534, OR at the Martin H. Glynn Municipal Building located at 3211 Church Street, Valatie, NY 12184.

Absentee Ballots

October 25: Last day by which mailed or online applications will be received by BOE. Online applications can be made via the State Portal.
November 3: Last day to apply in person
November 4: Last day to postmark ballot, which must be received by November 12. (Military Voter Ballots by November 21)

Major Change in Absentee Voting

Beginning 2022, a voter who has been issued an absentee ballot MAY NOT CAST A BALLOT ON THE VOTING MACHINE, either at Early Voting or on Election Day.

A voter who has been issued an absentee ballot IS permitted to vote by AFFIDAVIT ballot at Early Voting or on Election Day.

This is the case regardless of whether the voter actually returns the absentee ballot. It is the ISSUING of the absentee ballot that triggers this restriction, not the return of the absentee ballot itself.

The voter’s affidavit ballot will be counted if the Board of Elections has not received an absentee ballot from the voter and the voter is otherwise qualified. If, at the time the Board reviews affidavit ballots, the Board of Elections has received both an affidavit ballot and an absentee ballot from the voter, the absentee ballot will be counted and the affidavit ballot will not be.

In summary, once you submit an APPLICATION for an absentee ballot, you should plan to vote either by ABSENTEE ballot or by AFFIDAVIT ballot (if you go to Early Voting or to your Election Day polling place). Once an absentee ballot is issued to you, you may not cast your ballot on the voting machine.