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Letter: Correcting the Record on New Canaan Library
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I am writing in response to a Letter to the Editor on Wednesday, June 17th about the New Canaan Library. The citizens of New Canaan should have accurate information and context about the wonderful services the library provides for this town. First, it is important to note that over 85% of libraries in this country are run completely by their municipality and therefore are 100% funded by taxpayers. The not-for-profit model of the New Canaan Library is unique to libraries in this area. Each year the town of New Canaan gives the library a grant that covers approximately 70% of library operations. Through its Annual Fund, the library raises the other 30% of its budget to support its programs. On a dollar basis, this means that in 2019-2020 the town of New Canaan funded $ 2,320,250 of the library’s total $3,087,631 budget. The library’s budget has increased only 2.6% on average over the past five years. None of these numbers include the 125 library volunteers and the 4,200 hours they have spent on behalf of the town of New Canaan without compensation.