Supporters enjoy ice cream, raise funds for library levy

August 20, 2010 at 12:00a.m.

By Ashley Luthern

youngstown

Supporters of the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County came out for a sweet treat Thursday.

Handel’s Ice Cream and the Citizens Committee for the Library Levy had their last “Spirit Night” of the summer at the original Handel’s location on the South Side. Every person who brought a flier with them had 20 percent of their purchase donated to the committee.

“The [committee’s] funding comes from private contributions and money raised by small fundraisers,” said Tom Carney, committee co-chairman. “This is for the awareness fund, so that people know there’s a levy and the reasons for continuing their support.”

In November, a 1.8-mill, 5-year levy will appear on the ballot that, if passed, would raise $7,427,231 per year for the library system. The owner of a home valued at $100,000 would pay an additional $4.25 a month, said Janet Loew, the library’s public-relations director.

“State funding has declined very dramatically in the last two years,” Loew said. “The library system has always remained debt free. But with such a reduced budget, without levy passage, unfortunately four or five libraries will have to close.”

The library system has said it expects to receive $6,569,533 in state funds this year, compared with $8,001,113 in 2009.

Last November, a total of 71.4 percent of voters passed a 1-mill, five-year property-tax-renewal levy, which generates $3,622,000 annually, at 100 percent collections.

“We had a renewal levy in November, and all that did was keep in place a source of funding. It did nothing to offset the drastic reductions from the state,” Loew said.

A Taste of Tuscany event at the Boardman Culinary Arts Center generated $6,000 for the campaign. The total of five Handel’s “Spirit Nights” also have raised dollars, but the exact amount still needs to be compiled, Loew said.

Upcoming fundraisers include specially marked tickets for “Chicago, the Musical,” Sept. 10 to 19 at the Youngstown Playhouse. Tickets are available at the library’s communications office, 330-744-8636, ext. 51620; Friends of the Library Book Sale at Poland Library on Sept. 24 and 25; and Beer, Burgers & Boccie for Books at the MVR Restaurant on Oct. 5.