The Skaneateles Library is an association library incorporated on October 20, 1877 and first chartered by the New York State Education Department on April 20, 2009.
There are four types of libraries in New York (association, municipal, school district and special district libraries). Library type depends on how the library was established, which in turn dictates how it is governed and able to raise funds. In order to receive sustainable local public support, association libraries can ask residents of a school district or municipality for funding by ballot proposition, which is approved by majority vote.
In 2016, residents of the Skaneateles Central School District voted to provide an annual levy to support library operations. This includes people living in Mottville, Niles, Owasco, Sennett, Skaneateles Falls, Spafford and the town and village of Skaneateles. Community-based public funding has been vital for the library, making it possible for us to be open more hours and buy more materials and resources for you to use and share with your neighbors. The annual levy amount is currently $403,560.
In addition to public support, the library relies on income from investments, fundraising and donations to meet our needs.
The library’s fiscal year runs from October 1st to September 30th.