Residents of the Marlboro Central School District will have the opportunity to vote in the Marlboro Free Library’s Annual Budget Vote and Trustee Election on May 19, 2026, 6:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m., at the Marlboro Central School District, 21 Milton Turnpike, Milton, NY. The Library’s budget and trustee election will appear on the District’s ballot.



The Library is proposing a 2026–2027 operating tax levy of $997,294.00, a 5.29% increase, with a total proposed budget of $1,043,542.00. The Library last requested a budget increase in 2023. 

Two open vacancies for the Library’s Board of Trustees will also appear on the ballot. The vacancies have occurred due to the expiration of two incumbent trustees’ terms. 2026-2027 candidates are Thea James & Denise Garofalo.

Factors Affecting the Proposed Budget

The proposed increase is not related to the Library’s construction project. The project was funded through more than $1.4 million in New York State Aid for Library Construction grants, private donations, and the Library’s Reserve Building Fund, supported by long-term planning by prior directors and trustees. The Library has remained open with modified hours during construction.

Like many institutions, the Library is experiencing rising operational costs. Key factors include:

Loss of Danskammer PILOT funds

The expiration of this funding created a revenue shortfall that must now be absorbed within the Library’s operating budget.

Increased audit and compliance costs

The Library continues to receive clean audits. Updated auditing standards and rising professional fees have increased the cost of required financial oversight and compliance.

Rising insurance expenses

Health insurance and building insurance premiums costs continue to increase annually.

Higher digital material costs

Demand for eBooks and audiobooks continues to grow. Unlike physical books, digital materials require ongoing licensing fees to maintain access, and these costs increase regularly.

Increasing technology and software costs

Many essential software systems used by the Library have shifted from one-time purchases to ongoing subscription models, increasing annual operating costs.

Rising costs for everyday supplies and utilities

Operational expenses such as postage, programming supplies, and utilities continue to increase. The Library seeks grants when possible to support programming and services.

Where Your Library Dollars Go

Library funding supports services and resources available to district residents, including:

Materials and Resources

Books, magazines, DVDs, audiobooks, eBooks, museum passes, WiFi hotspots, Chromebooks, and online research tools.

Programs and Services

Programs for all ages, including early literacy programs, author visits, technology assistance, passport and notary services, and community events.

Technology Access

Public computers, printing, scanning, copying, free WiFi access, and digital resources such as databases, streaming services, online learning platforms, and local history preservation.

Facilities and Operations

Building operations, maintenance, insurance, and essential supplies.

Staffing and Public Access

Library staff for a wide range of operating hours that provide access to services and resources for District residents.

For more information, click here.

Renovation and expansion work at the Marlboro Free Library continues to make strong progress, and we are pleased to share that we are entering the final phase of construction. Major infrastructure upgrades, including electrical, mechanical, and plumbing systems, a new main sewer line, and the framing of interior spaces, have been completed.

In May, work will shift to rebuilding and finishing the Library’s interior spaces. Later this month, the Library will transition into a newly completed section of the building, allowing construction to begin in the area currently in use.

Please note that services may be more limited toward the end of May as we prepare for the final stage of interior work and furniture installation, which is anticipated in June 2026. Additional updates about the next phase will be shared later this month. Patrons may also experience some service interruptions as construction reaches its final stages.

Construction is anticipated to conclude later this summer. 

During the month of May, the Library will continue to remain open for express services, including hold pickups and returns, browsing of new and popular materials, express printing, faxing and scanning, and notary, passport, and tech services by appointment. Access to the main floor, full collection, study spaces, and quiet areas remains unavailable during construction. Limited computer use is available.

Current Library hours are:

Monday–Thursday: 12:30–8:00 PM

Friday: 12:30–5:00 PM

Saturday: 11:00 AM–5:00 PM

Sunday: 1:00–5:00 PM

Patrons are encouraged to check the Library’s website, marlborolibrary.org, or call 845-236-7272 before visiting.

The Library’s online collection remains available 24/7 through Libby, Hoopla, and Kanopy. Marlboro Free Library cardholders may also use their card at all 66 libraries in the Mid-Hudson Library System.

In total, the Library has received $1.4 million in New York State Aid for Library Construction grants for this project. The renovation and expansion are being fully funded through state grants, private donations, and the Library’s Building Reserve Fund.

The Marlboro Free Library thanks the community for its continued patience and looks forward to welcoming patrons into the completed space later this summer.

Resident cardholders can now borrow a pass to the 9/11 Memorial & Museum in NYC.

Please register or RSVP on the events calendar, or follow the program links and instructions below.

During Library construction, all events will be held off-site.

Connect with the outdoors and your neighbors as we walk. Meeting locations will be posted one week prior to each session. 

To be notified of any weather-related cancellations, please RSVP.

Compost happens! You don’t have to be an expert to be successful at backyard composting, you just need to learn a few basic tips and tricks to get cooking. It’s science, but it’s not rocket science!

Join the Ulster County Resource Recovery Agency’s Recycling Outreach Team for a community conversation about home composting basics.

Angelina Brandt, Director of Sustainability with the UCRRA’s Recycling Outreach Team, will host this class.

Registration required. 

Please register with the Ulster County Resource Recovery Agency: 

All are welcome to attend our Book Club! During May's meeting, we will be discussing The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman.

Copies are available to pickup at the circulation desk.

RSVP online. Walk-ins welcome.

Registration required. Class cost: $40.

Join us for a defensive driving class, held at the Marlborough Community Center on Saturday, May 30 from 10am-4pm.

Please arrive 15 minutes prior to the start time. $40 is due (cash/check only) day of the class. There will be a 30-minute break for lunch. Attendees may bring a bagged lunch and a refrigerator is available for use.

Please consult with your insurance carrier for possible insurance/point reduction rate.

Registration required. Class cost: $40. Checks should be made payable to Peter Khan or DigitalDefensiveDriving.com

Lead by certified instructor Peter Khan.

Sponsored by American Safety Inc. #028. Delivery Agency – DigitalDefensiveDriving.com #189.

Please contact Tessa at tessa@marlborolibrary.org with any further questions.

As construction at the Library continues, all of our youth programs will be held at the Town of Marlborough Community Center, located at 1520 Route 9W, Marlboro, NY 12542.

Registration is required for select programs.

*Registration will open for these programs three weeks before the program date.*

Be sure to check marlborolibrary.org and our social media pages for updates on start dates and locations.

For grades k-5.

The Nutty Scientist has been entrusted with a maximum-security space mission. What will it take to survive in space? Participate in wild experiments while learning about the planets, gravity, orbits, properties of sound, near-vacuum conditions, atmospheric pressure, comets and volcanic reactions!

No registration required. RSVP for event updates.

For families of all ages.

Come move as a family with a certified yoga instructor from Mindful Yoga with Liz Studio. No previous yoga experience necessary. Bring your yoga mat, blanket or towel, and a water bottle.

No registration required.

For grades 6-12.

Craft: pipe cleaner flowers

A fun and creative evening where teens can unleash their artistic talents and connect with peers in a relaxed and welcoming environment.

Registration required.

For grades K-5.

Register for each session individually. Join us for an afternoon of creativity & fun! Each session we will make a new craft to take home to show off! Crafts are TBA.

Registration required.

 The Library and the Ulster County Fair and Agricultural Society invite kids to participate in the Read and Win Program! Students in grades Pre K - 8 who complete the program between April 6th and June 14th, 2026 will receive free admission to the Ulster County Fair and more! Ask for materials at the circulation desk. 

Please note: The Library will be closed on Sunday, May 24 and Monday, May 25 in observance of Memorial Day.

Like us on Facebook to always stay up to date in case of delays and closings, 

or check on our website at marlborolibrary.org.

Learn more about the Town of Marlborough's past!

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Like us on Facebook or Instagram to always stay up to date, or check on our website at marlborolibrary.org.

Temporary Library Hours:*

Monday–Thursday: 12:30–8:00 PM

Friday: 12:30–5:00 PM

Saturday: 11:00 AM–5:00 PM

Sunday: 1:00–5:00 PM

*These hours are subject to change as work progresses. Please check our website or call us at 845-236-7272 before visiting for the most up-to-date hours, open dates, and information.