Your Library, A Wise Choice. Seriously.

November 3rd is quickly approaching, and many organizations in your County is depending on you, Especially your libraries! This information has been posted previously, but the need is there to re-iterate and add new information to your decision on November 3rd.

Your libraries are a vital component of our society, even if its been ages since you last placed your stack of books on the counter to be checked out! Below is a list of questions and the following answer to them taken from a flyer available at your library.

Q: Why is the levy necassary for the library?
A: Library revenue has decreased, while library use has increased. The Puskarich Public Library has always relied upon the state’s Public Library Fund (PLF) as its primary source of funding. In 2002, the state froze the PLF to help fund other areas of the state budget. The PLF was unfrozen in 2008, just as state revenue started shrinking. In 2009, amidst a 20% loss in the PLF as a result of the recession, the state cut library funding an additional 11%, netting a projected loss of 31% in revenue by the end of 2009.

The Puskarich Public Library System strives to create a friendly, and professional environment for all area residents to access information, pursue interests, and research. As a result, library use is stronger than ever.

The library circulates nearly 200,000 items annually. Each year, approximately 12,000 people attend programs and other meetings in the library meeting room. Usage continues to grow each year.

Q: What are the specifics of the library levy?
A: It is a 1 mill, 5 year operating levy. This one mill levy will be used for current operating expenses and will be for fiver years. This is the first operating levy that the library has pursued in its 129 years of service to the community. An owner of a $100,000 home will pay $30.72 annually. That’s $2.56 a month! The levy issue will be on the November 3rd Ballot. Voters of the Harrison Hills City School District, which has the same boundaries as the Puskarich Public Library System, can vote on the issue.

Q: What will the library do if the levy passes?
A: We will continue to be a primary information and community center for area residents by providing quality information services and stimulating educational programs.  Specifically, we will:

• Increase material acquisitions, ensuring patrons have timely access to popular titles and relevant resources.
• Maintain programs and services for all ages and enhance them to meet growing demands.
• Expand electronic resources and downloadable media to keep the collection evolving with changing needs.
• Upgrade existing technology and increase access to public computing.
• Evaluate access to information and other services and make necessary adjustments to ensure patrons have convenient access to all library services and restore changes in hours.

The moment you take something for granted, and it is gone. Regrets soon follow.  Those in positions of power have altered your standard of living on a daily basis. Do your part to keep something of a stable society intact. Please support your libraries here in Harrison County.

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Larry Bertolino is a 29 year old, U.S Navy Veteran, and the owner of myLocalPCpro which is located in Cadiz, Ohio. He is also member of the American Legion, The Cadiz Business Association and a member of the Tappan Lake Volunteer Fire Department. Find mylocalpcpro on Facebook