Princeton Public Library asks town to transfer utility support as it takes on operations

Representatives of the Princeton Public Library presented their first full year of operations in the new building and requested the town transfer utility support and building‑related costs to the library so the nonprofit can manage its own operating budget.

Library representatives (Luier and Christy Gardner) said patron visits have climbed since the January opening and reported roughly 4,000 visits year‑to‑date. The library asked the town to transfer an $18,000 allocation — the amount the administration estimated would cover utilities, exterior lighting, pest control and lawn care the town previously paid for while the building was town‑operated.

Library leadership said the $18,000 request also supports a modest staff pay increase; the library manager described a planned bump to $15/hour to remain competitive with local employers. “We have not had a raise at the library in five years,” the presenter said, explaining that the request is to allow the nonprofit to continue staffing and operations in the new facility.

Town staff explained those building services would cost roughly $6,200 per year if the town continued to pay them directly; staff recommended the board consider $15,000–$18,000 in the draft budget but suggested discussing a multi‑year funding schedule so both the nonprofit and the town can plan.

What’s next: the board indicated it would include the library request in the draft budget for more detailed discussion; staff was directed to craft a multi‑year funding approach to clarify expectations for utilities and building services going forward.