Vote NO! Library Funding on the Ballot in 2024

In the November 2024 election, voters in several states will have the opportunity to protect their local libraries by preventing funding cuts that would reduce operational hours, cut staffing, and prevent libraries from obtaining new books and materials. EveryLibrary stands in strong opposition to these attempts to decrease library funding across the country and encourage voters to vote against these ballot measures.

November 04, 2024
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While some ballot measures secure additional funding for public libraries, others are attempts at defunding these important public institutions. In previous years, EveryLibrary has tracked library ballot measures in hundreds of local elections with the goal of protecting libraries against censorship attacks and promoting access to information by ensuring library funding.

In 2023, despite facing attacks from book banners in the prior year, the Patmos Library in Michigan managed to pass its three-year levy renewal, ensuring it would remain open. Similarly, the Vote No to Save Pella Library committee successfully fought against a ballot measure brought forth by pro-censorship groups in Michigan.  

In the November 2024 election, voters in several states will have the opportunity to protect their local libraries by preventing funding cuts that would reduce operational hours, cut staffing, and prevent libraries from obtaining new books and materials. EveryLibrary stands in strong opposition to these attempts to decrease library funding across the country and encourage voters to vote against these ballot measures.*

Arkansas: Lawrence County Library

The Lawrence County Library in Arkansas is on the ballot for a levy decrease that would cut their funding in half, from $2 million to $1 million. A NO vote would prevent the local government from reducing the levy that provides funding for essential library services - including staffing, access to digital resources through Hoopla, and programming for community members. 

Louisiana: St. Martin Parish Library

The commissioner’s proposed plan for the library’s milage tax would reduce the St. Martin Parish Library’s funding by allocating 70% of the tax toward a new county jail. A NO vote would mean that existing funding would remain earmarked for the parish library. 

North Dakota: Statewide Ballot Measure 4

North Dakota’s Measure 4, which will appear on the November 5th statewide ballot, would eliminate property taxes based on assessed value, a move that would strip local governments of essential funding sources for maintaining public services, including libraries, emergency services, and education. If approved, this measure would create a financial void of approximately $1.3 billion annually, with no clear plan for replacement, jeopardizing the stability and well-being of North Dakota's communities.

In addition to these ballot measures against public libraries, funding for school libraries could also be jeopardized on Election Day. Kentucky’s Constitutional Amendment 2 would take away funding from public schools across the state and redirect them toward private school institutions.

Some voters have recognized the harmful impact of these campaigns to defund libraries. In the city of Jonesboro, Arkansas, voters will decide on a ballot measure to restore the library’s tax levy that was previously cut in November 2022. 

Voting is an essential way to exercise your citizenship and play a role in your local community. Vote NO on these campaigns to ensure that your libraries stay protected and funded. Educate yourself about local ballot initiatives that impact your community, including schools, public libraries, and other institutions.

 

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