Library Tax:

New Jersey State Law mandates that municipalities with local libraries allocate funding according to the one-third mill formula. With this formula, local libraries receive 33 cents for every $1,000 of assessed property value. In other words, property owners assessed at $100,000 would pay $33/year, less than a dollar per week, for library service. While most municipalities fund the library above this minimum amount, the drop in property values since the recession and the covid-19 emergency has translated into lower overall levels of dedicated library funding.

New Jersey State Aid:

The Atlantic City Free Public Library receives New Jersey State aid each year at a rate of $1.25 per capita. Since its annual expenditure for library services is equal to or more than 1/3 mill, but less than 1/2 mill per dollar upon equalized valuation.

Grants:

The library regularly monitors State, Federal and private sources of grant funding. Grant applications are submitted if they will assist the library in meeting our Mission as well as the stated goals and objectives of our current Strategic Plan.

The Library Foundation:

The Foundation of the Atlantic City Free Public Library is a non-profit organization formed for the purpose of aiding the Atlantic City Free Public Library. To help meet the Library's financial challenges, the Foundation seeks financial support to supplement the funding provided by the City of Atlantic City. Funds obtained through fund raising will be used by the Foundation to help the Library assist its users by providing special equipment and expanded services.

Revenue:

The library receives a small portion of its funding from revenues for printing, copiers, fines for lost and damaged items. As of September 2021 the library does not charge overdue fees.