Y-town/Mah library to seek new levy

By SEAN BARRON

news@vindy.com

YOUNGSTOWN

The Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County’s Board of Trustees has voted to place a new, five-year, 1.8-mill operating levy on the November ballot.

During their meeting Thursday, officials decided the measure is needed, in part, to help offset the effects of a continued decrease in state funding. Since 2001, the library system has seen an estimated $12.7 million loss from the state, while usage has been up, noted Janet S. Loew, public relations director.

The levy would generate about $7.292 million annually, and the five-year, 1-mill renewal levy voters approved last November will bring in roughly $3.626 million, explained Susan G. Merriman, fiscal officer.

The combined levies would mean close to $11 million each year over the period, she noted.

The funds also would make it easier for the system to fulfill several components of its long-range strategic plan, including consolidating some branches, renting instead of building and having extended hours, Merriman said.

Likening the library system’s financial situation to a two-income household that sees the main breadwinner becoming disabled, Director Carlton Sears said the system can no longer afford to operate the way it has been. Nevertheless, many people derive value from the numerous free programs and services, among other things, that the system offers, he said.

“Libraries are something they touch and feel almost every day,” Sears added.

Also speaking at the session were several representatives of the 16-member Library Levy Committee of 2010, which formed about two months ago to raise money for marketing, as well as awareness and advocacy, on behalf of the levy.

A grass-roots campaign is in the works, and the committee is planning numerous fund-raising events this summer and fall to get the word out about the levy, said Douglas Sipp, a small- business owner and committee member.

The levy is necessary because it’s unlikely the state will provide the library system with enough funding to allow it to fulfill the public’s expectations and needs, Sipp explained.

Several other members touted the importance of the system, saying that each branch offers much more than books, and that it has become an integral part of the Valley’s arts and entertainment scene.

In addition to the levy, library officials have proposed plans for moving forward that include implementing technology to enhance services and reduce costs, continuing to reduce the number of branches to serve more people and offer more hours and securing funding to allow facilities to operate more efficiently.