New York State Library

Division of Library Development

Public Library Districts: An Introduction; Creating Public Library Districts in New York State: a “how-to” guide

Typical Timeline: Creating a Special Legislative District Public Library

The following timeline indicates a month-by-month breakdown of activities leading up to a vote to create a Special Legislative District Public Library. Though it is possible to compress the activities into a shorter timeline, it should be noted that reducing the planning cycle might reduce the chances of a successful outcome.

Actions

Months leading up to vote

18

17

16

15

14

13

12

11

10

9

8

7

6

5

4

3

2

1

1. Survey Community

X

X
2. Update Long Range Plan based on survey

X
3. Determine best model and consolidation options  
X
4. Assess readiness

X

 
5. Inform School District & current funding sources; obtain support  

X

 
6. Pass resolution to create new library  

X

 
7. Notify Library System and State Library

X

8. Create Implementation Committee

X

 
9. Develop action timeline

X

 
10. Identify advocate group(s)

X

 
11. Draft state legislation to authorize local vote to create library district

X

X

12. Legislation introduced; considered by State legislature;signed into law by governor

X

X

X

13. Library board determines date for local election to create & fund district

X

14. Develop strategy for public campaign

X

X

X

 
15. Develop & Conduct public education & advocacy campaigns

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

16. Trustee candidates gather required number of signatures on petitions to run for election to the board

X

 
17. If required by state legislation, formal petition to schedule election to create and fund the new library district and elect trustees filed with library board

X

 
18 Vote on library proposition & trustees

X

   

18

17

16

15

14

13

12

11

10

9

8

7

6

5

4

3

2

1

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