Hubbard library seeks levy renewal

By LINDA M. LINONIS

linonis@vindy.com

HUBBARD

Voter approval of a new 1.9-mill continuing levy for Hubbard Public Library “would provide a stable source of funding,” emphasized John Manhollan, Hubbard Public Library Levy Committee co-chairman.

It would help Sherry Ault, director, who has played a guessing game on the amount of annual state funding for the library, he said.

One thing Ault knows for sure is that the money has decreased steadily, resulting in the elimination of nine staff positions and cuts in library hours and programs.

The library’s 2010 budget is estimated at $625,000, Ault said, down from a peak of $968,180 a decade ago. She said the Public Library Fund, 2.2 percent of the general-revenue fund of the state, is the funding source for libraries. The state budget reduced funding to 1.97 percent, which means less money for libraries.

Ault said the library receives no local funding; revenue sources other than the state library fund are fines, fees and gifts. She did note that a 10-year bond issue was approved in 2000 and has been paid off. The bond issue will appear on property tax statements for the last time this year, as collections are a year behind. “The revenue from the bond issue made the library handicap-accessible and expanded the library building,” she said.

Manhollan, working with co-chairwoman Sue Kelley, pointed out that the bond issue costs a homeowner about $2.42 per month on a $100,000 residence. He said the levy would cost $4.85 per month on a $100,000 residence, which would be a net increase of $2.43.

The levy would raise $404,000 annually, bringing library funding back to its 2001 level.

Being a library employee, Ault can’t promote the levy, but she can talk about how the levy funding would benefit the library. First, she said, hours would be restored, materials-budget increased, children’s programming restored to former levels, homebound service would be extended and public access computers would be current.

The committee is working to inform residents on why it is vital to vote for it on the May 4 ballot. Committee members will participate in an open house from 1 to 4 p.m. April 11 at the library to talk to visitors about the levy and why it’s needed.

Manhollan said the committee also will canvass in neighborhoods with some 200 volunteers. “We’re targeting neighborhoods based on voting records,” he said, adding that primaries typically have low voter turnout. The committee also plans a mailing to promote the levy.

“It amounts to about 8 cents a day,” he said, noting that keeping the library open and offering services is worth that.

Manhollan, a Hubbard resident since 1973, said he and his wife, both educators, can both speak from personal experience about how the library enriches the lives of young people.

Ault said 14 children’s programs and the popular Library Commons, an afterschool program for those in seventh grade and up, were eliminated. So far, she has preserved toddler and preschool story times because they lay the groundwork for love of reading.

Daisy Evans, library board president, said the board’s role is “to guide the library” so members can’t serve on the levy committee. But, she said, the library provides a vital source of information and resources to many people of all ages. Without necessary funds, more cuts loom.

For information on the levy committee, call Manhollan at (330) 534-4809. Contributions by checks made payable to Hubbard Public Library Levy Committee may be sent to HPL Levy Committee, P.O. Box 354, 380 Parkview Drive, Hubbard, OH 44425.

Hubbard Public Library, 436 W. Liberty St., plans an open house next month. No materials may be checked out during the open house, but visitors will learn how to place requests for materials from Hubbard library and from other libraries throughout the state.

When: 1 to 4 p.m. April 11. Volunteers will demonstrate how to use the library’s catalogs and databases.

Special events: Featured will be K-9’s for Compassion therapy dogs and story time. Visitors will learn how to use the library Web site, www.hubbard.lib.oh.us, to find full-text magazine articles at home. If you have a library card and an Internet connection, you have free access through the library Web page to databases paid for by your library. If you don’t have a high-speed Internet connection, learn how to log on to the library’s computers to prepare a r sum , apply for a job online, or access e-government services.

Services: Volunteers show visitors how to register for a library card, receive notice of new materials via e-mail and manage library accounts online. Volunteers also will demonstrate the BookFlix database designed to allow youngsters to practice their reading skills and have fun at the same time.

Specials: Friends of the Library will be on hand to help you find book bargains. There will be refreshments and prizes.