New Jersey law (N.J.S.A. 40:54-8) sets the minimum funding for municipal public libraries at “1/3 mill,” or $0.333 on each $1,000 of equalized value of all assessable property in the Town. By State law, the municipality must allocate this money to the library in its annual budget. In November 2019, Mahwah voters approved a millage rate increase to “3/8 mill,” or $0.375 on each $1,000 of equalized value. The increased millage rate will remain in place for ten years before coming up for a public referendum.
With the passage of Mahwah’s Library Referendum in November of 2019, the Library is writing the next chapter in its history of serving this vibrant community. The 2023 budget carefully aligns the Library’s expanded tax appropriation with the collections, programs and new services requested by residents and approved by the Board of Trustees in the long-range Strategic Plan. A deliberate return to in-person programs, combined with maintaining a outstanding physical collections, especially online collections, ensure that our services remains vital and relevant to residents.
| 2023 | 2024 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Budget Category | Budget | Budget | Change |
| Revenue | |||
| 4200 Municipal Appropriation | $2,772,166 | $2,998,356 | 8.2% |
| 4300 NJ State Aid | $14,000 | $14,000 | 0.0% |
| 4400 Interest | $2,000 | $10,000 | 400.0% |
| 4500 Grants,Gifts & Donations | $8,500 | $10,500 | 23.5% |
| 4600 Patron Revenue | $60,650 | $75,175 | 23.9% |
| 4700 Miscellaneous Revenue | $1,500 | $2,000 | 33.3% |
| 4800 Unemployment Reserve | $1,800 | $2,250 | 25.0% |
| Total Revenue | $2,860,616 | $3,112,281 | 8.8% |
| Gross Revenue | $2,860,616 | $3,112,281 | 8.8% |
| Expenses | |||
| 5000 Salaries and Withholdings | $1,414,035 | $1,497,500 | 5.9% |
| 5100 Personnel Benefits | $415,731 | $458,264 | 10.2% |
| 5200 Library Materials | |||
| 5210 Books | $146,500 | $209,600 | 43.1% |
| 5220 Audio-Visual | $57,000 | $61,500 | 7.9% |
| 5230 Periodicals | $6,500 | $6,500 | 0.0% |
| 5240 Digital & Online Resources | $115,000 | $135,000 | 17.4% |
| 5250 Library of Things | $15,000 | $15,000 | 0.0% |
| 5200 Library Materials | $340,000 | $427,600 | 25.8% |
| 5300 Programming | $113,500 | $145,500 | 28.2% |
| 5400 Operating Expense | $204,795 | $228,247 | 11.5% |
| 5500 Professional Service | $26,000 | $12,500 | -51.9% |
| 5600 Fixtures, Furnishings & Equip | $8,000 | $12,000 | 50.0% |
| 5700 Building & Grounds | $152,975 | $177,057 | 15.7% |
| Total Operating Expenses | $2,675,036 | $2,958,668 | 10.6% |
| Net Operating Surplus | $185,580 | $153,614 | |
| Transfer to Capital Expenses | $185,580 | $153,614 | -17.2% |
| Total Other Expenses | $185,580 | $153,614 | -17.2% |
| Net Income | $- | $- |
The Library values integrity and acts with honesty and fairness as it conduct its business. As part of the Library’s commitment to transparency and open government, audit results are posted for public review.
Due to the anticipated snowfall overnight and into the morning, the Mahwah Library will be closed Tuesday, February 13, 2024.
We look forward to seeing you when we reopen at 10am on Wednesday, 2/14.
Please stay warm and safe if you are traveling overnight or tomorrow morning.
The Library is closed for Easter.
We look forward to seeing you when we reopen at 10am on Monday, April 1.
Although the Library may be closed, our online services are always available! Borrow eBooks, audiobooks, music, videos, magazines, and even online learning at any time.
