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The Library Board has submitted a FY 2026-2027 budget request that fully supports continuing operations.

This request will allow us to:

  • Maintain Library hours 7 days/week, including weekends and evenings.
  • Purchase new books, ebooks, audiobooks, and DVDs, to keep up with new releases in both fiction and nonfiction.
  • Offer a wide variety of educational and cultural programs for all ages, including story hours, uCreate makerspace access, topical speakers, music, games, crafts, and social events.
  • Provide expert assistance for residents’ information and technology needs.
  • Provide access to study rooms, meeting rooms, Wi-Fi, and computers, plus business center services like fax, copy, and scan.
  • Support teen volunteer programs that develop job skills and responsibility.
  • Conduct school outreach and student support, including the popular Homework Helpers tutoring.
  • Click here to view the requested Library Budget.

The Mayor’s proposed FY 2026-2027 budget does not sufficiently fund Library services.

The proposed reduction in Library funding may result in:

  • Library closing on Sundays and Mondays year-round.
  • Reduced schedule of programs for all ages, such as the loss of Sunday Afternoon Talks, special concerts, story times, teen tutoring, and chair yoga.
  • Reduction in staff who assist with reference questions, book selection, technology support, job applications, and programs.
  • Fewer opportunities for teen volunteers
  • Less access to meeting spaces, workspaces, tutoring, and study spaces.
  • Significant decrease in new books, ebooks, audiobooks, and newspapers, as well as online services.

The Stratford Library serves the entire Stratford community.

  • Over 133,000 people visit the Library each year, nearly 500 per day.
  • More than 63,200 downloads of books, movies, music, and audiobooks.
  • Study & meeting rooms were used more than 2,700 times last year
  • The public WiFi hosts more than 4,100 sessions a month
  • The Library averages 15 outreach programs per month; we strive to bring the Library out to the community
  • 32,768 people of all ages participated in educational and creative programs last year.
  • Stratford’s program attendance is 237% higher than the State average.
  • Librarians answered more than 50,300 questions and held 1,174 technology one-on-one trainings last year

Library spending is only 1.3% of the Town’s budget.

Pie chart of the proposed operating budget

Mayor’s Proposed FY 2026-2027 Budget, page 3

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Compared with the 32% statewide average, 45% of Stratford residents have library cards. In one year, 2024-2025, the value of Stratford Library services to our community was nearly $6,000,000 (learn more here). Libraries build community engagement, support job seekers and career development, encourage economic development, foster literacy, provide access to essential technology, and offer opportunities for residents to connect with one another. Great libraries, like Stratford’s, attract new residents and home buyers.

Do you use the Library? Calculate how much you save. If you don’t use the Library, you still benefit from having a robust public library in Stratford. The Return on Community Investment is priceless!

Right now, our community leaders are making important decisions concerning the Library budget.

There are opportunities to address the Town Council:

Meetings begin at 7:00 p.m., and are preceded by a public forum that commences at 6:00 p.m. People have 3 minutes to speak.

  • Monday, April 13, Town Hall Council Chambers
  • Monday, May 11, Town Hall Council Chambers

For Your Information: 

How to find your district: https://portaldir.ct.gov/sots/LookUp.aspx

Hours: Monday - Thursday: 10am - 8pm
Friday & Saturday 10am - 5pm
Sunday: 1pm - 5pm (October - May)