Fast Facts on Local Library Revenue

Fast Facts on Local Library Revenue

Is the Three Rivers Public Library facing financial jeopardy?

Let’s take a look around at area communities and their contribution to the TRPL revenue stream. Flowerfield and Park townships contribute zero dollars annually from their general fund towards the TRPL. Instead, their residents demonstrate their support by purchasing annual library cards at $50 each or $75 per family.

The city of Three Rivers contributes zero dollars annually from their general fund to the TRPL. Their residents have contributed annually by way of a perpetual millage for decades. A perpetual millage is one that never expires. It never needs to be renewed. It remains in place forever. Combined with sound fiscal management, the perpetual millage has allowed the TRPL to amass an asset balance sheet in excess of 1.4 million dollars in cash or cash equivalence.

This powerful combination enables the TRPL to not only survive but to thrive. Not just for our lifetime, but for many lifetimes after us. Lockport township contributed $19,236 last year for approximately 1,409 library cardholders. According to data obtained from the library, two-thirds of Fabius residents do not utilize local library services.

Fabius Township also currently contracts with the TRPL for services. Our most recent annual invoice payment was in March of 2024 for $63,368.42 for approximately 1,304 cardholders, although that number has since been revised to 1,142.

State Aid is determined by service areas. The TRPL currently qualifies for state aid in Lockport, Three Rivers, and Fabius service areas separately. If one service area ceases to qualify for state aid, it has no negative effect on the other two service areas. They each stand alone on their own merit. State Aid for the Fabius Township service area was $3,379 last year.

Here’s a look at 2023/24 Operating Income for local libraries as a point of reference. All operating income data was obtained at https://michigan.gov/libraryofmichigan/libraries/admin/statistics

2023/24 Operating Income for Local Libraries