How the millage supports our library and what’s at stake.
Library Millage Proposals
What’s at stake:
In 2016, Ferndale voters approved the library’s first dedicated operating millage, affirming its independent governance and community-supported funding. The measure passed by a wide margin, reflecting strong public support for the library’s role in the community.
Since that time, the library has welcomed hundreds of thousands of visitors, seen steady growth in library card sign-ups and circulation, and significantly expanded its free programs and events for the community.
Day by day, the library delivers real value to everyone who walks through its doors. From the money-saving benefits of a library card to free Wi-Fi throughout the building to the vast collection of digital resources available anytime from home or on the go, this is a community resource worth protecting and strengthening.
Support of the two millage proposals on this year’s ballot allows the library to continue to strengthen, grow, and expand its robust and responsive services to the needs of Ferndale, and can avert any risk of cutting programs, reducing access to digital materials, shortening hours, deferring repairs, or having to close for any extended period due to unforeseen building emergencies.
The library relies on continued public support to keep serving everyone who depends on it.
How the Millage Supports Our Library
Since 2016, the library has used voter-approved funding to:
Expand programming: 20 recurring programs per month and 60+ one-off events annually
Broaden collections: books, e-books, games, STEM kits, vinyl, seeds, and more
Improve access: open seven days a week, fine-free borrowing, stronger Wi-Fi
Partner with schools and local organizations for youth and community outreach
Launch digital initiatives: e-books, databases, research tools, and library podcasts
Usage Highlights (from 2025, to indicate averages)
Physical visits: 122,053
Items circulated: 207,028
Public computer sessions: 86,376
Program attendance: 13,087
Library use has grown 400% since 2005, demonstrating that the library is not only used by a high portion of Ferndale’s population, but also consistently and for a variety of nee
What Happens If the Millage Passes
Maintain 7-day library access
Continue to grow and expand programs, both on-site and off-site
Preserve and expand offered collections, including digital and specialty resources
Upgrade and maintain facilities and technology for comfort, safety, and accessibility
Election Day
Tuesday, August 4, 2026 – All eligible Ferndale voters can participate.
Find more information about elections and registration here: https://www.ferndalemi.gov/services/voting-in-ferndale
Your Library,
Our Community
The Ferndale Area District Library is an independent, voter-supported district library. Governed by its own elected Board of Directors, it operates separately from the City of Ferndale. This independence allows the library to maintain, plan, and grow its programs while keeping core services strong.
Since becoming a district library in 2016, the library has expanded hours to seven days a week, strengthened staffing, grown collections and digital resources, and increased programming for all ages. Today, over 120,000 visitors use the library each year.
The library is a hub for learning, creativity, and community connection — open to everyone, every day.
Wanna help spread the word?
Volunteer here
Why the Library Millage Is on the Ballot
Library funding in Michigan comes from voter-approved property taxes, called millages. These taxes are authorized for a limited period, meaning the library must return to voters to renew funding after a certain number of years (usually 5-10).
The library’s previous millage (approved in 2016 at 3.5 mills by a 2-1 margin) expires in 2026. Due to Michigan’s Headlee Amendment, which prevents automatic increases in property tax revenue as property values rise, the effective rate has dropped to 2.81 mills, effectively reducing revenue even as the community grows.
Although the upcoming millage renewal may appear to be an increase, this proposal requests the same revenue that voters approved in 2016.
What’s on the 2026 Ballot
The library is asking voters to approve two proposals:
1. Operations Millage
2016 originally approved rate: 3.5 mills
Current effective rate (as of 2026): 2.81 mills
Additional funding proposed: 0.50 mill
New rate would be: 3.31 mills ($3.31 per $1,000 taxable value)
Duration: 10 years (2027–2036)
Purpose: Maintain all daily operations, staff, collections, programs, and digital resources
Estimated first-year revenue: ~$3.4 million
Capital Asset Millage
Rate: 0.50 mill ($0.50 per $1,000 taxable value)
Duration: 10 years (2027–2036)
Purpose: Fund repairs and upgrades to keep the building safe, accessible, and functional
Projects include: Geothermal HVAC, roof, siding, flooring, and network upgrades
Purpose: Maintaining accessibility of the building and protecting it against future unplanned emergencies that could require budget cuts to other areas, like programs and materials.
Estimated first-year revenue: ~$515,000
The new millage would cost the average Ferndale homeowner about $450/year. The current rate, set at 2.81 mills, comes to about $340/year. If approved, about 8 cents of every property tax dollar would go to the library.
What Happens If the Millage Fails
Reduced revenue limits flexibility and programming
Digital borrowing access reduced, impacting users of Kanopy (streaming movies) and Hoopla (audiobooks)
Some one-off programs will be canceled
Operating hours may drop to six days/week if millage fails twice
Building repairs and upgrades may compete with daily operational needs
Financial reserves would shrink, reducing the ability to respond to emergencies
Without this funding, the library will be unable to maintain services or handle unexpected repairs while continuing to run its regular free programming/events for the public.