What the Library Tax Line Means

[Editor's note: This article was submitted by the West Orange Public Library.]

Did you notice the public library tax line on your municipal tax bill?

Governor Chris Christie signed the Municipal Library Tax Levy Law on March 21, 2011. The new law creates an additional line item on property tax bills to show the amount of municipal public library funding. This is not a new tax and does not increase property taxes. It simply provides a way for residents to easily see how much they pay to support their public library.

Since 1884, state statutes have provided for minimum library funding levels. Library funding is a small portion of any tax bill. NJ municipal libraries are funded at the rate of 33¢ for each $1,000 of assessed property value. Until now, the appropriation for the public library has been included in the general municipal line of your tax bill. Beginning this year, the minimum library appropriation will be shown separately in the “public library tax” line on your local tax bill. The general municipal tax levy will be reduced by the amount of the library tax. In municipalities where library services are budgeted at a level higher than the statutory minimum, any additional appropriations above the minimum amount will continue to be funded through the municipal budget with a 2% cap. In 2011, the West Orange Public Library was funded at the minimum statutory level.

Taxpayers receive an amazing return on their investment in the library. For a home that is assessed at $365,000, the library tax is $120 a year, which translates to only $10 a month. Residents can access thousands of dollars worth of books and other services at the library for that $10 per month investment.

The library is a lifelong learning center, a community meeting place and a valuable resource for all ages. In addition to books, the library provides DVDs, magazines and newspapers, music, audiobooks, ebooks, Internet access, lectures and book discussions, a movie program, story hours for children, computer workshops, teen programs, home delivery for shut-ins, an information service and job search assistance. I think you’ll agree, that’s quite a list!

Every West Orange resident is entitled to a free library card and can take advantage of all the library has to offer. If you haven’t already gotten your card, stop by the library with your proof of residency to pick up your card. The library is open Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday 9 a.m.-9 p.m., Tuesday and Friday 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m.-5 p.m., and Sundays 1-5 p.m. The library is located at 46 Mt. Pleasant Ave.. Learn more about the West Orange Library at wopl.org.