The future of Seymour Public Library’s funding will be in the hands of voters next month when the district holds its annual referendum.
On Wednesday, Oct. 8, polls will be open from 9 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the library, located at 176-178 Genesee Street. Voters will be asked to approve a proposed 2026 operating budget totaling $1,139,713. Of that, $1,095,413 would be raised through a property tax levy across the district. Eligible voters live in the City of Auburn, the Town of Owasco, and portions of Sennett and Fleming within the Auburn Enlarged City School District.
In addition to the budget question, one trustee seat representing Fleming will be on the ballot. Sylvia Kott is the only candidate to submit a petition for that four-year term.
Library Director Lisa Carr told the Auburn City Council that Seymour has been following a strategic plan centered on partnerships, historical preservation, and expanded access to technology. She highlighted renovations to the children’s room and west lobby, improvements to building systems such as the elevator and HVAC, and the installation of Wi-Fi extenders funded through the American Rescue Plan Act.
The library has also introduced a “History Discovery Center” that helps residents digitize family archives and access census and newspaper records. Programs such as History Forge are allowing researchers and the public to connect census data with historic maps of Auburn.
Carr noted that Seymour Public Library will celebrate its 150th anniversary in 2026, with commemorative programming planned. Absentee ballots for the Oct. 8 referendum are available through the library during normal business hours.
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