The Facts About Library Funding
Myth - The busier the library gets, the more money it receives.
Reality - Unfortunately our funding is not based on use or demand.  The Chippewa River District Library System operates under an annual budget based primarily on property tax allocations as set by a voter approved millage.
 
Myth - The federal and state government fund U.S. public libraries.
Reality - Actually, nearly 80% of CRDL's budget comes from local property tax revenue.  Federal and State make up a very small portion our annual operating revenue.
 
Myth - I'm already funding the library by paying my late fees and purchasing items at book sales.
Reality - Late fees and book sale dollars provide a very modest contribution to the library and primarily support replacement of materials lost or items not returned.  Fees and fines are not sufficient to support operating or program activities.
 
Myth - Every public library in the U.S. is funded in the same way.
Reality - Even though all public libraries are funded by some combination of local, state and federal dollars, the mix is unique. 
 
Myth - If the individual townships do not vote in support of the out-district millage, other funding will make up the difference for their branch locations.
Reality - If the millage does not pass in the townships that are voting on November 2nd, the Chippewa River District Library System will no longer have the funding to operate the out-district branches.  Libraries in Shepherd, Blanchard, and Winn will no longer be operated by the CRDL and they may close.  Residents in the out-district areas will also no longer be able to check out materials for free from any CRDL location.