Understanding Your Library’s Budget

Explore our budget breakdowns, funding sources, and the importance of advocacy to support lifelong learning and community engagement.

Where does our budget come from?

The majority of our funding comes from a dedicated millage approved by Livonia citizens in 1984. This millage, passed in perpetuity, ensures consistent support for our programs and services.

Additional State funding information:

Donut chart showing composition of operating budget with 88 percent from property tax, 8 percent from fees and miscellaneous income, 2 percent from state aid and penal fines, and 2 percent from donations

2025 Budget

  • Increase in collection budget
  • Replacement delivery van
  • Adding two book pick up lockers
  • Elevator upgrade
  • Professional services for an updated website 
  • Professional services for building renovations
  • Increased marketing and staff training budget
Pie chart and table showing 2025 budget breakdown with 66 percent allocated to personnel, 11.2 percent to building maintenance and utilities, 8 percent to collections, 7 percent to minor capital expenditures, 3.6 percent to professional services, 0.7 percent to supplies, and smaller amounts for insurance, programs, marketing, and training and dues, totaling 5.1 million dollars

Upcoming Capitol Projects

Budgeted in 2025

  • Fire panel upgrades
  • Elevator controls upgrade

Budgeted in 2024/2025 – (Currently on hold)
Minor interior renovations and roof

  • Reconfigured front entrance
  • Paint and new carpeting throughout
  • Additional power and data outlets throughout
  • Atrium roof replacement and new lighting
  • Exterior tuck pointing and limestone washing
Graphic showing fund balance total of 5.5 million dollars allocated to 2.45 million for phase 2 renovations, 2 million for emergencies, and 1.05 million for phase 1 renovations

how are we paying for these projects?

Chiller: general fund/library operating funds …. $600,000

Design and Planning: library operating budget …….. TBD

Minor Renovations and Roof: library operating budget /
fund balance ………………………………………………….. $2 million

Elevator: library fund balance ……………………. $1.1 million

Fire Panel: general fund ………………………………… $250,000

Your Tax Dollars at Work: A Year in Review

At Livonia Public Library, we take pride in being a cornerstone of the community, providing essential resources, programs, and services that enrich the lives of our residents. Every book borrowed, program attended, and service utilized is made possible through your support. This annual report highlights how your tax dollars have been invested in literacy, lifelong learning, and community engagement over the past year. From expanding access to technology to enhancing our collections and hosting educational events, your library continues to evolve to meet the needs of our patrons. Thank you for making these achievements possible!

True Value Calculator

Use this calculator to learn the true value of your public library visit.

Infographic showing 2024 library statistics for Livonia Public Library including 192,206 library visits, 23,748 cardholders, 287,831 website visits, 11,256 computer uses, 47,726 reference transactions, 31,713 program attendance, 24,112 database uses, 42,820 Wi-Fi sessions, social media growth of 21 percent on Facebook and 11 percent on Instagram, 8 percent increase in newsletter subscribers, and total circulation and loans of 648,612 across children, teen, adult, and eMaterials categories

The Cost of Free Access: Exploring the Value and Impact of Libraries

Libraries provide access to a wealth of resources, from physical books to electronic materials.  Learn more about the challenges libraries face in meeting digital demands, their dedication to offering high-cost electronic resources, and their crucial role in marketing books and fostering a lifelong love of reading.

[NEW]2024 Price Update

Libraries struggle to afford the demand for e-books and seek new state laws in fight with publishers AP Article

Competition in Digital Markets – eBook pricing crisis

#eBooksForAll FAQ

The State of Digital Content in Public Libraries