Voters have supported a new millage that will allow the Buchanan District Library to expand its hours and services and hire new staff.

According to unofficial results from electionmagic.com, the .3 mill tax levy passed 380 to 271 during Tuesday’s special election.

The millage increase will cost the average property owner about $20 a year based on a person whose home has a taxable value of $65,000, which equates to a real value of about $130,000.

Library Director Barbara Wallace said the library plans to be open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Mondays beginning Aug. 10. The library will now be open Monday through Saturday, instead of just Tuesday through Saturday.

“I can’t say how excited we are,” said Wallace. “We are really looking forward to being open this Monday.”

Wallace said the library plans to hire additional staff, although she is not certain if new employees will be full, part time or a mixture of both.

“People can be on the lookout to see much-needed improvements, more materials, more staff, more programming and more expanded hours,” she said.

The new millage will generate approximately $91,000 a year for the next 10 years. It will be collected from all real property falling in the Buchanan District Library’s district, which includes portions of Bertrand and Niles Charter Townships.

Wallace thanked an election committee that helped educate citizens about the ballot proposal, including paying for and mailing to potential voters a postcard that contained clear facts about the proposal.

“They did a great job of getting out and talking to voters… I think they deserve recognition,” she said.