November 3, Stark County voters will see Stark Library’s Operating Levy on the ballot. Here’s what you need to know about the levy, what it supports, what it costs, and where to find resources to prepare for Election Day.
What is the Operating Levy?
Stark Library is funded through a combination of locally approved property taxes, the Ohio Public Library Fund (PLF), investment income, grants, donations, and fees. The Operating Levy on the November 3 ballot includes a renewal of the Library’s existing 2-mill levy and a 0.3-mill increase for eight years. The levy is intended to maintain current Library services, not expand them.
Since the current levy was approved in 2019, costs for materials, staff salaries and benefits, security services, property insurance, and vehicle repairs and maintenance have increased. The Library’s state funding has also been reduced by approximately $350,000 per year.
What does the levy support?
Operating levy funding supports services available throughout the Stark Library system, including early literacy and school readiness programs, Library materials, workforce and job-search support, access to computers, Wi-Fi, and printing, scanning, and faxing.
It also supports the day-to-day operation of the Library, including open hours, staff, meeting and study rooms, and the maintenance and care of recent building improvements.
How much does the levy cost?
The levy includes a renewal of 2 mills and an increase of 0.3 mill. The total cost is $55 per year for every $100,000 of the county auditor’s market value, or approximately $4.58 per month. This represents an $11 annual increase from the levy approved in 2019.
Property owners can calculate their specific property tax impact using the Stark County Auditor’s online tools.
Is the Levy for building the new Main Library?
There will not be a specific levy ask, nor increase due to this project. Our Re|imagine 2.0 Main Library Campus project is being funded through both Capital Savings and Ohio's Public Library Fund (PLF). We were able to save our dollars to cover 95% of the projects' total cost, and we are raising the remaining 5% through grants and private donations. Learn more about how our Re|imagine Main Library Campus project is being funded HERE.
What happens if the levy does not pass?
If the Operating Levy does not pass, Stark Library will need to make reductions to current services. These reductions would include:
- Reduced Library hours
- Fewer programs, services and materials
- Reduced access to public computers and technology
Get Ready for Election Day
The General Election is Tuesday, November 3, 2026. The deadline to register to vote is Monday, October 5, and early in-person, and absentee voting begin Tuesday, October 6.
Stark Library provides nonpartisan voter resources to help you check your registration, register to vote, find your polling location, view your ballot, learn about voter identification requirements, and more. You can also register to vote in person, at any Stark Library location.
Find voter resources and important election dates HERE.
