The Issue
This April, voters will decide whether to continue a dedicated library tax that was first approved in 2007 to fund the construction of a new library building. With that tax currently set to expire in 2027, the proposed continuation would ensure ongoing maintenance of the library building and support for enhanced services to meet the evolving needs of our community.
In 2007, voters approved this tax to make the vision of a new “destination” library a reality. The funding allowed for the design and construction of the Cape Girardeau Public Library, a modern facility that has become a hub for lifelong learning, community connection, and access to technology and resources.

The Plan
The original tax funded the construction of the building, but additional funding is now necessary to:
- Maintain the library facility, including essential upkeep, repairs, and updates
- Expand and enhance library services, such as new programming, digital resources, and community initiatives.
- Sustain access to technology, educational resources, and public spaces.
If approved, this continuation would allow CGPL to maintain its current tax rate without an increase.
Voters will be asked whether to continue the existing tax rate beyond 2027. Approval would ensure that the library can maintain its building and continue providing the services and programs our community relies on.
What a YES Vote Means:
If voters approve the continuation of the library tax, CGPL will be able to:
- Expand outreach efforts through initiatives like a bookmobile and other community-based services.
- Operate and maintain safe, welcoming, and well-kept library facilities.
- Offer enhanced, high-quality programs for all ages, including educational and cultural events.
- Build stronger, productive partnerships with local organizations and community groups.
- Expand access to digital collections, eBooks, and other online resources.
- Improve outdoor spaces at the current location to better serve the community.
- Hire additional staff to support outreach, programming, and community engagement.
What a NO Vote Means:
If the library tax is not continued, CGPL may need to:
- Postpone or forgo critical repairs and maintenance of the library building.
- Reduce operating hours and staffing levels, limiting access to resources and services.
- Scale back library programs, especially those that offer small group or one-on-one assistance.
- Risk losing experienced and skilled staff to other jobs with more competitive pay and benefits.
- Purchase fewer books, eBooks, and other materials, limiting the variety of resources available to the community.
Key Election Information
- Election Day: Tuesday, April 8, 2025
- Voting Hours: 6:00 AM - 7:00 PM
- Last Day to Register to Vote: Wednesday, March 12, 2025
- Where to Vote: Visit the Cape Girardeau County Clerk’s website for polling locations and other important voting details.
FAQs
No. We are asking for a renewal of the current tax, not an increase.
The ballot text for Prop L will read:
For the purposes of maintaining and enhancing the current facility, expanding community engagement and outreach, and increasing access to digital resources, shall the current operating tax levy of the Municipal Library District of the City of Cape Girardeau, Missouri, continue to be $0.3181 per one hundred dollars of assessed valuation for the free public library, instead of reducing as scheduled by $0.13 from $0.3181 to $0.1881 per one hundred dollars of assessed valuation in tax year 2027.
While the text might sound complex, here’s what it means:
- This is not a tax increase. The measure asks voters to maintain the existing tax rate of $0.3181 per $100 of assessed valuation.
- Without voter approval, the library’s tax rate will automatically decrease to $0.1881 in 2027, resulting in significantly reduced funding.
- Approval of Prop L ensures continued support for maintaining the library building, expanding services, and increasing access to digital resources without increasing the current tax rate.
- The continuation of the tax will remain in effect indefinitely unless changed by voters in the future.
Whether or not Prop L appears on your ballot depends on where you live. Some residents who live within the current City limits may not reside within the library’s taxing district and, therefore, will not see Prop L on their ballot.
To confirm if Prop L will appear on your ballot:
- Click here to access the sample ballot tool.
- In the top left corner, type your address into the search bar and select it when it appears in the dropdown menu.
- Under “Precinct Details,” check the line labeled “Library District.”
- If Cape Girardeau Public Library is listed, Prop L will appear on your ballot.
- If Riverside Regional Library is listed, Prop L will not appear on your ballot.
If you have further questions, contact the Cape Girardeau County Clerk’s office for assistance.
No, CGPL is not a City department. However, we have had a long-standing partnership with the City. According to Missouri state statute RSMO 182.170, the Mayor, with City Council approval, appoints our 9-member Board of Trustees. Beyond this, the City does not have oversight of the library.
We serve the Municipal Library District of the City of Cape Girardeau, a stand-alone taxing district that reflects the City limits as they existed in 1965. Although the City limits have expanded since then, RSMO 182.480 prohibits the expansion of the municipal library district boundaries.
We serve the Municipal Library District of the City of Cape Girardeau, a stand-alone taxing district defined by the City limits as they existed in 1965. While the City limits have grown since then, the library district boundaries have not.
- Residents within the library district boundaries are eligible for a library card.
- Non-residents are also eligible to obtain a library card. A free card may be available if certain conditions are met, such as living in an area covered by reciprocal borrowing agreements between libraries or qualifying through arrangements with the local school district.
The library is more than just books—it’s a vital community resource that serves people of all ages, backgrounds, and interests. Here’s how the library remains relevant in today’s world:
- Students & Educators: Students rely on the library for homework help, access to research materials, and quiet study spaces. Teachers and educators use our resources to support classroom learning and enhance their lesson plans.
- Job Seekers & Professionals: The library provides free access to technology, including computers, printers, and Wi-Fi, as well as resources for job searches, résumé writing, and career development.
- Families & Children: Our children’s programs, including storytimes, summer reading challenges, and STEAM workshops, promote literacy and inspire a love of learning at an early age.
- Seniors & Retirees: Many older adults benefit from our one-on-one technology assistance, book clubs, and programs designed to combat social isolation and keep minds active.
- Lifelong Learners: From hobbyists to researchers, the library offers resources like digital collections, online courses, and databases to help community members explore new skills and interests.
- Community Members: The library serves as a welcoming public space for meetings, cultural events, and programs that bring people together.
In a time when access to information and technology is essential, the library remains a cornerstone of opportunity and connection. In 2024 alone, the library welcomed 126,047 visitors (an increase of 13,809 from the previous year), hosted programs with a combined attendance of 14,411 across all age groups, and saw 53,686 digital checkouts through Libby (up from 46,274 in 2023), demonstrating the library’s continued impact and relevance in the community.
We are seeking a continuation of the current library tax to:
- Address strategic priorities.
- Ensure we can complete necessary building repairs without delaying them due to insufficient funding.
Our current working budget outlines how funds are distributed across key areas, including staff salaries, operations, and collections. This summary provides a clear picture of how we plan to use available resources to meet community needs.
For a more detailed view of actual revenues and expenses, you can review our financial audits. These independent audits ensure accountability and include insights into the library’s financial operations over the years.
Not yet. The final payment is scheduled for April 1, 2027.
The tax set to expire represents about 36% of our overall FY 24-25 budgeted expenses of $2,242,140. This includes 32% allocated for debt payment and 3.9% for capital improvement savings. Once the building debt is paid off, and if the tax renewal is approved, these funds will be reallocated toward supporting our strategic priorities, helping to enhance library services and further meet the community’s needs.
We serve a library district with a legal service area (LSA) population of 36,170. For comparison, here are LSAs for other libraries of similar size:
- Burlington Public Library (IA): 34,231
- University City Public Library (MO): 35,065
- Leavenworth Public Library (KS): 37,176
- Hutchinson Public Libray (KS): 39,712
- Joplin Public Library (MO): 48,784
However, comparing our library to these libraries isn’t entirely fair. CGPL is unique in Missouri as a municipal library of its size that has not been incorporated into a larger county or multi-branch system. We operate with significantly less local revenue per capita compared to most libraries of similar size. This funding disparity means we must stretch every dollar further to meet the needs of our community.
That said, here’s how we compare in terms of spending and revenue per capita (based on FY 2022 data):
- Per Capita Revenue (local taxes only)
- CGPL: $29.37
- Leavenworth, KS: $32.98
- Burlington, IA: $43.44
- Joplin, MO: $44.17
- Hutchinson, KS: $57.59
- University City, MO: $76.87
- Per Capita Expenditures
- CGPL: $35.00
- Leavenworth, KS: $37.47
- Joplin, MO: $43.97
- Burlington, IA: $48.15
- Hutchinson, KS: $62.46
- University City, MO: $84.13
These figures demonstrate that while CGPL serves a population comparable to these libraries, we operate with far fewer local tax dollars, underscoring the importance of sustainable funding through Prop L. For more details, visit the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS).
Learn More
CGPL is dedicated to providing clear, factual information to help voters make an informed decision. If you have additional questions, please email library director Katie Earnhart at katie@capelibrary.org.