2026 Levy Facts

The Hudson Library has a levy on the ballot – Tuesday, May 5, 2026

The library is requesting renewal of a 2.9 mill levy plus an increase of 0.6 mills, to replace the current levy which expires this year.

Why does the library have a levy on the ballot?

  • The current levy, passed as a 5-year 2.9 mil levy in 2021 makes up 70% of the library’s operating budget. It is expiring at the end of 2026. The library will lose that revenue unless voters pass the renewal levy in 2026.
  • The remaining portion of the library’s funding comes from the Ohio Public Library Fund (PLF).
  • The library’s tax levy has not increased in 10 years.

What will this cost?

The annual cost to the taxpayer will be approximately $78 per $100,000 of home value.

What does the levy fund?

The levy provides 70% of our operating funds and will maintain the vital services Hudson families have come to rely on. This includes:

  • Early literacy resources, support, and programming that foster learning and connection.
  • Physical books, movies, cultural passes, and more.
  • Digital resources, streaming movies, and music.
  • Support for adults and seniors including educational programming, job seeker support, technology training, and homebound delivery.
  • Comfortable spaces to meet, study, work, and read.
  • Knowledgeable, friendly staff who support the community’s research needs including 1:1 technology support, free notary service, and more.

How is the Hudson Library funded?

The library receives:

  • 70% of its funding from the local tax levy (the one on the ballot this May 5th).
  • 25% from the State of Ohio’s Public Library Fund.
  • 5% from other sources.

What happens if the levy were to fail?

We would lose 70% of our funding and would be forced to reduce days/hours of operation, curtail essential childrens and adult programs, slash the purchase of new materials, and lay off staff.

What happens if the levy passes?

The library will continue operating 7 days a week and maintain our current services.

Did the State of Ohio recently reduce public library funds (PLF)?

Yes. Statewide, the PLF is at the same level as it was 25 years ago.

Is the library part of Summit or Cuyahoga County’s Library System or the City of Hudson?

No. The Hudson Library is an independent library created in 1910. We do not receive funding from any other library systems or municipality.