VOTE RESULTS
THANK YOU for supporting GPL!
Guilderland residents voted on May 16 to approve a 2.68% tax levy increase within the mandated NYS tax cap. The budget was approved by 69.25% of voters, with a final tally of 1,486 to 660. We are grateful that despite rising costs, we can continue to bring you the same level of materials, programs and services that you value. William Cooney and Corie Dugas ran unopposed for two vacancies on the Board of Trustees (five-year terms). We look forward to their input and oversight.
Once again – thank you!
The annual budget and board candidate vote for Guilderland Public Library is scheduled for Tuesday, May 16, 2023. Voting will occur at the five Guilderland elementary schools, in conjunction with the school budget vote. Polls are open from 7 am until 9 pm. Click here for general information on voter eligibility and polling places.
According to Library Director Tim Wiles: “The GPL Board of Trustees and Administration have prepared a business-as-usual budget for 2023-2024, with no major changes in our financial management of Library operations. The tax levy increase is 2.68%, and is within the mandated salary cap. We are putting a little bit more money into library programming, as we continue to see enthusiastic participation in our events for all ages. Labor costs have risen slightly, as have utilities. We will invest the same amount in collections as last year. As always, we have successfully stayed within the salary cap number, without sacrificing any programs, services, or positions for the coming year.”
BOARD CANDIDATES
This year, there are two open seats on the Guilderland Public Library Board of Trustees for five-year terms. The following candidates appear on the 2023 ballot.
WILLIAM COONEY
A Lansingburgh native and Guilderland resident for the past nine years, William Cooney holds a BA in History from Siena College, and a JD/MBA from Georgetown University. Mr. Cooney’s experience includes:
- Business Manager and Attorney at GE Power, both in Schenectady and overseas
- Corporate and Commercial Attorney in Washington, D.C.
- Captain in the US Armored Cavalry in Germany
His volunteer experience includes Guilderland PTA; Guilderland T-Ball and Youth Soccer Coach; NYS Military History Museum; and various voter support activities.
Q: What role have libraries played in your life? How have you benefited most from GPL?
A: I grew up reading history and biography books from the Troy Public Library and writing history term papers at the Siena and SUNY Albany libraries. GPL, especially the childrens’ library and activities, has been an important center for my family since we moved here. We truly enjoy the wealth of learning available through the GPL, from books, to performances, to lectures and displays of local artists.
Q: What is the last good book you read?
A: The Star Gazer a 1940 biographical novel of the life and times of Galileo by Zsolt De Harsanyi.
Q: Why are you interested in serving as a GPL Board of Trustee?
A: I want to play a part in making sure that GPL continues its important role in the Guilderland community as a place where citizens can get a wide variety of books, learn new things, exchange ideas, enjoy performances and local arts and get to know each other. I will work to see that GPL budget and spending are well managed within the role that the citizens of Guilderland want their library to play.
CORIE DUGAS
Current interim trustee Corie Dugas won a one-year term to our Board in 2022 to fill a vacancy, and is seeking a full term. She has resided in Guilderland for five years. Ms. Dugas holds an BA in English-Creative Writing from Baker University, and an MLIS from the University of Missouri. She brings a wealth of professional and volunteer library experience, including:
- Executive Director, NELLCO Law Library Consortium, Inc., 2017-present
- Executive Director, MALLCO Law Library Consortium, 2015-2017
- Assistant Professor of Legal Research/Head of Outreach and Access Services, Saint Louis University School of Law, 2013-2017
- Upper Hudson Library System Trustee, 2022-2027
Q: What role have libraries played in your life? How have you benefited most from GPL?
A: I’ve been a library user as long as I can remember. As I child I went to story hour and checked out stacks of picture books. In school, I used the public library for research and a quiet place to study. I loved the library so much that I became a librarian. Even though I no longer work in a library, I love maintaining a connection to my public library. I am in Guilderland Public Library at least once a week checking out books or attending programs. I also get tons of audiobooks through Libby and Hoopla and have my headphones on listening to book all the time.
Q: What is the last good book you read?
A: I read a ton of mysteries and thrillers, but my last 5-star book was Sign Here by Claudia Lux. It was an original, inventive read.
Q: Why are you interested in serving as a GPL Board of Trustee?
A: Through and through, I am a huge public library advocate and patron. I joined the GPL Board of Trustees last year to complete a vacated term and have enjoyed being a part of the Board. Guilderland is a diverse and vibrant community, and I appreciate having the opportunity to help shape the future of the library so that it serves the needs of the community. The programs, services, and resources the library provides are top tier, and I hope that my role as Trustee helps these initiatives continue to thrive.
updated 5.17.23