Photo by David Prenatt The Minerva Free Library in Sherman is seeking an annual tax levy to help fund library operations.

SHERMAN — At their regular meeting on April 19, village of Sherman trustees received a presentation regarding the possibility of funding the Minerva Free Library through an annual tax levy.

Sherman Mayor Colleen Meeder said she was concerned about the future of the library.

“I am very grateful for the creativity, inventiveness and commitment of the Minerva Library board members and staff entrusted with this important asset in our community,” she said. “They have brought new life and excitement to Sherman’s Minerva Free Library, with a renewed purpose, programming across all ages, and shared communal space.”

Cindy Sears, who gave the presentation, explained that the library is going to the community for a vote on June 1, asking to be part of the tax levy. She previously reviewed the budget and services provided by the library with the Sherman Central School Board of Education. Sears asked the school board if a proposition to fund the library could be placed on the ballot.

The proposition was approved by the board to be placed on the ballot in June. It will ask: Shall the sum of $85,000 be raised by an annual levy of a tax upon the taxable real property within the Sherman Central School District for the purpose of funding the operating budget of the Minerva Free Library?

Sears told trustees that the role of the school will be minimal.

“The only responsibility of the school district will be to collect the tax and cut us a check,” she said.

Sears said the library has been in the village for 115 years. She said most people are not aware of the many services that it provides to the community and some residents are not even aware that the library exists.

Sears explained that the library currently operates on a budget of $52,000. This has been provided for years by an endowment that is now dwindling.

“It will be gone by 2026. We just can’t make it on what little we have,” she said. “The things we need to provide are getting more expensive and our building is getting older and needs many upgrades.”

Sears said the library is asking for $85,000 because there are many needs. The library has received grants from various organizations, such as the “Add Color to the Library Grant” from the Northern Chautauqua Community Foundation from Lake Shore Savings Bank Community Reinvestment Program.

“We also received a grant for a Team Book Club and we are requesting a grant from the Dollar General for the summer reading program,” Sears said. “We are making progress but the endowment is dwindling and fundraising is a challenge.”

Sears also told board members that the library partners with the school and offers three summer reading programs for kids.

“We want to add toddler time,” she said. “We also have author nights; we offer print, fax and copying services for our patrons; and we proctor exams which people take online.”

Since the library offers free Wi-Fi access to the public, both inside and outside of the building, a new outdoor learning center is being added, Sears said. The outside area was made possible through a $8,600 grant.

“Members of the community will now be able to be seated outside and access our WiFi for their own needs,” she said.