Hatboro Voters To Decide Library Tax In May (ICYMI)

HATBORO, PA — Voters in Hatboro will go to the polls in May to decide whether to impose a new property tax to fund the borough's historic library.

A special library tax of .55 mills will be on the ballot on May 21. The funds would be dedicated to funding the Union Library Company of Hatboro.

On a home valued at $150,000, the annual tax would be about $82, not taking into account any exemptions that may lower a home's assessed value for tax purposes. Supporters of the referendum say the average homeowner in Hatboro would pay $69.93 annually if it passes.

It is estimated that the tax would bring in more than $200,000 each year. By comparison, the library received $83,000 in the two most recent borough budgets. Borough council would no longer need to budget that money if the tax is approved.

Supporters have formed the Hatboro Library Yes Committee to help bolster support for the referendum.

They say the library, at 243 S. York Rd., will be able to modernize, upgrade its current offerings and stay open more hours each week if the referendum passes. The library's current funding, from Hatboro's borough council, hasn't always kept up with expenses, they say.
If the special tax is approved, they say Union Library will make the following changes:

• Extend Monday hours to 10 a.m.-8 p.m. (it currently closes early Mondays)
• Expand museum passes
• expand its circulating tablets and other digital devices
• create employment databases and other resources for job seekers
• create genealogy databases
• enhance children's and adult education programming
• offer streaming movies
• offer streaming audiobooks
• offer streaming music
• offer e-books
• expand computer services, including WiFi

Money also will go toward preserving the historic library itself.

The Union Library Company was formed in 1755, with 38 original subscribers. It is the third-oldest library in Pennsylvania and the second-oldest to be operating under its original charter.

Through the years, the library was moved from building to building until arriving at its current location in 1849. The library building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.