2026 Library Millage Renewal FAQ

What is the library millage proposal?

The Bridgeport Public Library is asking voters to renew 1.4674 mills of the previously authorized millage that expired in 2025 and .0326 mill is new additional millage to restore the millage rate lost as a result of the Headlee Amendment millage reduction.

 

If the millage passes, will my taxes increase?

No! The old 6-year, 1.5 mill levy for library operations was approved by the voters of Bridgeport Charter Township in 2020 and expired at the end of 2025. In August 2026 voters will be asked to approve a renewal of 1.4674 mills and new additional millage of .0326 to restore the original 1.5 mill levy for six years, beginning in 2026 and ending in 2031.

 

What is the cost?

If this operating millage is approved, homeowners will continue to pay at the same rate they are

currently contributing to library operations. No additional tax is being requested. The cost of 1.5 mill for a Bridgeport Charter Township homeowner whose home has a market value of $76,000 (the median value in Bridgeport Charter Township), and a taxable value of $38,000, is $57 per year, or $4.75 per month.

 

What happens if the operating millage is not renewed?

Failure to pass the operating millage renewal would result in a major reduction of library services. Currently, the millage provides approximately 82% of library operating costs. The library would have to drastically reduce the number of days and hours of operations. Programs would be discontinued. New materials would be drastically cut. Most library staff would be laid off.

 

How does the library support the community?

The Bridgeport Public Library is needed and used. People depend on their libraries for multiple reasons, including: information, job searching, resumes, checking out materials (books, magazines and DVDs and special collections such as literacy kits, cookie cutters and board games), computers and free high-speed internet access. The community uses the library for their meeting rooms, homework, classes, educational programs, summer reading programs and lifelong learning. The library provides a warm and welcoming environment to all people.

 

Do people in the community actually use our libraries?

Yes!

 We have more than 7,500 cardholders who use the library in a variety of ways.

 In 2025, more than 250 library programs were attended by over 3000 people. In 2025, more than 34,000 items were checked out, computers used over 6,000 times, and meeting rooms were used more than 700 times.

 People in Bridgeport Charter Township need and use their libraries!

 

In this age of technology, does Bridgeport Charter Township really need a library?

Yes!

Libraries aren’t about only books!

Technology is constantly being integrated into our libraries as a tool to help connect people with information and solve problems. Libraries improve the quality of life and education in our community, providing invaluable resources to which some might have no other means of access.

Not everything can be found online and what is found isn't always free or reliable. Many Bridgeport Charter Township residents don't have access to computers or the internet in their homes. Good libraries, like good schools, are critically important to attract new businesses as well as qualified employees and their families to our community.

 

 

APPROVAL MEANS HOURS, PROGRAMS, AND RESOURCES ARE MAINTAINED