Lib Politics Rodeo June 10, 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…

It may be the last days of spring, but we are still learning about new library ballot measures for 2014. A petition was filed this week in Fort Smith (AR) to put a levy increase on the August 12th ballot. The 2-mill increase will be looked at by the Board of Directors today for the vote to put it on the ballot. Also, in Licking County (OH) a ballot measure for the renewal of the library levy was approved for the November 4th ballot. The 1-mill levy that raises $2.4 million annually will expire at the end of this year. Voters are being asked to continue the levy indefinitely.

Paulding County Library (GA) is gearing up for another ballot measure. The Paulding County Carnegie Library Levy Committee (GA) held a public meeting last week to encourage a YES vote on their next ballot measure. Their measure for a levy increase in May was voted down. They have decreased the amount they are asking for. No details were available on the amount or timing of the measure, but we will be watching it.

The Clinton-Macomb (MI) library director made a pitch the the Township Board of Trustees for the library levy lift that will be on the August 5th ballot. He answered questions and concerns about the timing of the ballot measure and also brought in a lot of good survey and statistical information that shows the need for continued funding.

When you take a look at how we stack up at other libraries in our class, which is based on population served, there are many numbers to highlight. Population – we are in the top seven. Grand Rapids is next above us. Millage rate levied, we are 33rd out of 44. It shows you the efficiency and scale of our operation. Even if the millage is increased, we would still be 20th out of 44 and still below the average for our class.

After a great round of wins for libraries (including 3 we supported directly in California) we are continuing our good work. We are set to assist on 21 campaigns in 2014. Your donations have made that possible. For each dollar we have invested in campaigns, $3,600 was returned to the library in stable tax revenue. Our work is effective and needed and we need your support to continue that good work. Please consider a $25 donation today or a $10 per month recurring donation to EveryLibrary to keep us on track and effective for more library Election Days. Thank you for being a part of this with us.

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