7:00a - 9:00p Library Bond Vote at OPL

While the Ossining Board of Education (BOE) must authorize and issue the bond, it does not control the Ossining Public Library (OPL) or the bond itself. The library is an independent entity with its own elected Board of Trustees, and the BOE's role is a legal necessity for financing capital projects.
Here is a breakdown of how the Ossining library bond works:

• Library independence: As a "school district public library" in New York State, the OPL is governed by its own elected Board of Trustees, not the BOE. The library's independent board manages its budget and operations.
• BOE as the bonding authority: New York law requires the local school district to act as the bonding authority for library capital projects. This means the Ossining Union Free School District, through its BOE, is responsible for holding the bond vote and issuing the debt if the voters approve it.
• Library controls the project: Despite the BOE's role in the bond's issuance, the OPL Board of Trustees has oversight of the renovation work. The library will also work with the school district on the payment schedule.
• Voter approval is key: A $30 million bond to fund repairs and renovations was put to a public vote on September 16, 2025. All voters within the Ossining Union Free School District determined whether to approve the bond.
• Funding mechanism: If approved, the money for the bond would be collected through taxes levied upon the taxable real property within the school district, appearing as a separate line on tax bills.

The distinction between the two boards ensures the library, while relying on the school district for the legal mechanism of bonding, maintains control over its own projects and remains a separate public institution.