Vote on Bangor’s Public Library Tuesday

The polls will be open in a majority of Maine cities and towns on Tuesday as local municipalities vote on a variety of items including school budgets.

One thing voters in Bangor will decide on is whether or not to refurbish Bangor's Public Library, a $9 million task.  The 101 year old oxidized copper dome is leaking, and rainwater has destroyed parts of the ceiling, walls and most importantly, books.

A $3 million tax exempt bond issue will be on tomorrow's Bangor ballot.  If approved it would trigger a matching gift from Stephen and Tabitha King, proud supporters of the Bangor Public Library for many years.  The rest of the funds would come from the Library's fund raising efforts.

According to Barbara McDade, the Library's Director, 816 people use the library every day.

If the library bond is approved, it would add approximately $12 year to the tax bill of a $150,000 homeowner.

Voting hours are 7am until 8pm at the new Cross Insurance Center, the new arena, on Main Street.  You can park in the Bass Park parking area or at the Hollywood Slots parking garage.  Voters can enter the Center via Dutton Street.

Here's what the ballot will look like:

1. “Do you favor approving the Bangor School Department budget for the upcoming school year that was adopted at the latest regional school unit budget meeting and that includes locally raised funds that exceed the required local contribution as described in the Essential Programs and Services Funding Act?”

2. “Do you wish to continue the budget referendum process for the Bangor School Department for an additional three years?”

3. “Shall the Order “Authorizing a $3,000,000 Bond Issue to Repair the Bangor Public Library Roof” be approved?”