Lib Politics Rodeo September 29, 2015

News from around the #libraries #politics world

The East Baton Rouge Parish Library PAC (LA) kicked off a campaign this week to raise awareness for a levy renewal on the October 24 ballot.

The 10 year 11.1 millage property tax would be spent mostly on library operational costs like staffing and collections, but some will be spent on renovating older branches to be able to provide services more in line with the main library branches. If the ballot measure fails, the library will only be able to survive for 6 months before having to shut all of its branches. The campaign will rely heavily on social media and word of mouth to educate voters on the outcomes of passing it and the impact of it not passing. The tax is estimated to generate $44 million in library funding the first year.

Brighton District Library (MI) is getting support from the community on their .22 millage levy on the November 3 ballot. This levy would replace another one that is currently in place to pay off 20 year old construction bonds. This funding would allow the library to be open 7 days per week in the summer, purchase more materials, and upgrade facilities.

Portage County District Library (OH) is also on the November 3 ballot with a 1 millage library funding proposal. Right now the library is funded by the state and that support has been dwindling since major cutbacks in 2009. Additional funding is needed to provide services being requested by patrons including longer hours, expanded programming for children, and support for job-seekers. The library already has an immediate one year plan and a longer 5 year plan for how the money will be spent.

Clay County public library (FL) could have some needed capital improvements funded by a 1 cent county sales tax renewal that will be on the November 2016 ballot. Right now the library is doing a pilot project to offer external WiFi to library patrons. Library advocates have also brought to the attention of the Clay commission other improvements to library services including more hours and services to schools.

Other Happenings

EveryLibrary will be having a pre-party and fundraiser at the California Library Association Conference on November 5 8-11 pm. Your ticket will include free drinks, dancing, and pool playing. If a $40 ticket sounds like too much right now you can also make a $5 per month recurring donation. Event details and tickets. We hope to see you there.

That is all for this week. Join us next week for another round up. Happy trails!