Dormann Library asking voters for funding increase
By ROB PRICE THE COURIER-ADVOCATE

BATH - Residents of the Haverling school district will be asked to approve a $20,000 increase in the annual public funding of the Dormann Library when they vote May 15 on the proposed school budget and choose two school board members.

The additional funds will raise the library's levy from $150,000 to $170,000, according to Dormann Library Director Carol Berry.

Berry noted the overall library budget has risen from $190,000 to $220,000 due to increased hours, additional staff and higher operating costs.

"We had 60,000 people walk through our doors last year," Berry said, noting library activity has increased in all areas, including circulation and computer usage.

Berry noted further the school district is responsible for collecting annual tax revenues for the library, then forwarding the revenues to the organization. The Dormann funds are not part of the school district's budget, she said.

Separately, the Dormann Library hopes to open a new coffee and pastry cafe in June as part of its expanded services. Berry said funding for the cafe has been accomplished through private donations.

"It's not something we expect the taxpayers to pay for," she told The Courier last week.