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Cutchogue New Suffolk Library vote on Tuesday

JENNIFER GUSTAVSON PHOTO | Cutchogue New Suffolk Free Library district residents will vote on a budget Tuesday.

Cutchogue New Suffolk Free Library district residents will go to the polls Tuesday to vote on a proposed $1.5 million budget, which carries a projected 1.34 percent tax rate increase.

Library director Alison O’Reilly said the increase is below the state-mandated tax cap in part because nearly $78,000 in reserves will be used to offset the tax levy.

In both hamlets, the total tax increase for a homeowner with property assessed at $6,000 would be $5.94, according to library’s website.

Ms. O’Reilly said the 2014 proposed spending plan reflects a 5.9 percent increase over the current budget.

Next year, she said the library plans to offer Zinio Digital Magazines, a service that allows patrons to read digital copies of their favorite magazines on their tablet, computer or mobile device.

The spending increase will also support the library’s new hires in the children’s department, which will now be staffed at all times.

“The library is getting busier and busier,” Ms. O’Reilly said. “Families are looking for programs and aftercare. Everything here is free.”

Voting takes place at the library Tuesday from 2 to 8 p.m.

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