RiverheadLOCAL/Denise Civiletti (file photo)

Riverhead Free Library’s budget was approved by voters Tuesday, 225 to 135, library Director Kerrie McMullen Smith announced Tuesday night.

The 2026-2027 operating budget approved in Tuesday’s vote totals $5,752,619, up 3.88% from the current year’s $5,537,500 budget. The proposed tax levy will increase 5.2% to $5,470,619, which is $2,049 below the library’s 2026-2027 tax levy limit of $5,472,668, according to library budget documents.

Voters also elected the three candidates running for three seats on the Riverhead Free Library’s board of trustees. Incumbent Barbara Ripel was re-elected to a second three-year term with 109 votes, Theresa Cioffi received 112 votes and Ann Walsh-Feeks received 111 votes, McMullen Smith said in an email.  

Baiting Hollow Free Library budget was also approved,  218 to 141, McMullen Smith said.

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Denise is a veteran local reporter, editor and attorney. Her work has been recognized with numerous journalism awards, including investigative reporting and writer of the year awards from the N.Y. Press Association. She was also honored in 2020 with a NY State Senate Woman of Distinction Award for her trailblazing work in local online news. She is a founder, owner and co-publisher of this website. Email Denise.