Lib Politics Rodeo August 19, 2014

Welcome to the Lib Politics Rodeo. Every Tuesday we will round up the previous week’s news on library politics and highlight some of the things that we are following or reading. Here’s what we have in our lassos this week…

This week the Rodeo was compiled and written with the help of our intern Rachel Korman.

News

We last reported on the journey of the Kanawha County Public Library (WV) and their efforts to put a levy on the ballot in our May 13th Rodeo. The library has launched their campaign to show voters the value of their library within the community, especially important because of the levy loss they suffered last year. Last week, Kanawha County Public Library hosted a “My Library Is…” event that asked patrons and residents to share memories and sentiments about their local libraries. A local Vote Yes committee will also be hard at work leading up to the November election.

“Go out and make sure that the story told on Nov. 4 is a story of pride told in our community. Lets make sure the people of Kanawha County resoundingly affirm that,” Crigger Morgan said. “Lets make sure that years down the road, there will be lots of other people telling their stories just like today about how the library changed their lives.” – WVGazette 

After much discussion among the library board and voters, the Select Board of Rockport (ME) unanimously voted to place two measures on the ballot in the November election. One question will ask if Rockport should create a new library with input from residents regarding the design and budget, and the second non-binding question asks if the location for the new library should be the site of the former Rockport Elementary School.

Also in Maine, the Cape Elizabeth City Council voted unanimously to have a measure on the November ballot to approve the borrowing of $4 million to pay for the expansion of the Thomas Memorial Library. This is $2 million less than what they had asked voters for in 2012. That measure was not supported. The expansion will increase the library by 1,500 square feet and also allow for more parking.

Voters did not support a millage increase for the Fort Smith (AR) Public Library last Tuesday. Just over 64 percent voted no. With the additional funding the library hoped to improve their print, media and online collections as well as offer new tutoring and homework services. Instead, they are now looking at cutting back on services so that they are no longer using their reserve funds.

The Phelps County (MO) clerk is contesting the results of the levy win for the James Memorial Public Library. In the Aug. 5th primary election, a small number of voters in Phelps County were accidentally given out-of-city ballots that did not include the library levy issue. Officials from the county clerk’s tried to identify and contact those who had received wrong ballots on election day, but was not completely successful in fixing the error. Since the levy won by merely 2 votes, the Phelps County clerk, feels obligated to file a petition to contest the results. The outcome will likely be a re-vote on the issue.

Yesterday, we announced our support of the Save Jax Libraries Committee with $1,000 to get their message out via Social Media. There will be a straw ballot on August 26th that will get a funding measure on the ballot for 2016. Cuts have been made to the library budget and they have had to close on Mondays and, last week, the finance committee voted to close a branch. See our announcement for how you can help over the next 8 days. It’s because of your donations that we are able to jump in and help with critical measures like these. Thank you for your support. Your donations help us to help libraries. Donate today.

If you live in the Portland, Oregon area your support can also get you preferred seating at our burlesque fundraising event, Tatas for Libraries on 9/20. This fundraiser, will be a true variety show with comedy, live music, and burlesque performers. Show details and tickets.

That’s all for today. Join us next week for another round up. Happy trails!