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Levy failure could lead to library closures
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Neighbors | Shaiyla Hakeem .The Service Employees International Union, comprised of Mahoning County library system workers, presented the committee for the library levy with a $10,000 check Sept. 8 to help the comittee's campaign efforts. So far, the committee has raised more than $38,000 towards its campaign.
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Neighbors | Shaiyla Hakeem .Karen Watkins (left) reads to Maya Littleton at the Poland Library's Brilliant Babies: Bonding with Babies and Books program. If the library levy fails, this program will be at risk of being terminated.
By SHAIYLA HAKEEM
The Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County wrote the book on providing free resources to the public. Now, it’s hoping this year won’t be the final chapter.
A $1.8 million operating levy will appear on the November ballot. According to library officials, it would cost the average homeowner, with a home valued at $100,000, approximately $4.50 a month. This change would be expected to bring in $7.4 million annually.
Janet Loew, public library’s communications and public relations director, said library revenues throughout Ohio have been steadily dropping over the past decade. According to Loew, Mahoning County’s library system is receiving 34 percent less in state funding than it did in 2001. This equates to about $3.6 million less each year.
To compensate for the funding decrease, libraries have been forced to cut staff pay and lay off workers. As of Sept. 8, the majority of the libraries within the system have cut back on daily operating hours by closing early, opening later or not opening at all.
Many use the library for several things such as keeping up on current events, self-education, research and social activities. One of the most important library benefits, according to Loew, is its free Internet services.
“In this day and age, more and more services require Internet, such as applying for a job, applying for benefits, doing school assignments, applying for college aid and filing taxes,” she said.
The Citizens Committee for the Library Levy, comprised of Mahoning County library system employees, has been working diligently to raise funds to support the levy campaign. On Sept. 8, the committee received a $10,000 donation from Service Employees International Union District 1199.
Poland resident and co-chair for the levy committee, Chris Muransky, is an avid supporter of the public libraries. She believes the library is a vital part of the community.
“Even with the Internet, I don’t think you can ever replace books,” she said. “The library is invaluable in so many ways.”
If the November tax levy does not pass, library programs such as Smart Money and Baby Brilliant, as well as its many technological and educational benefits will be at risk of elimination. In addition, five to six of the 16 branches in the Mahoning Valley will be closed. Branches that would be closed because of the levy failure are unknown at this time.
“The levy will help the Mahoning County library system stay strong and viable for the community it serves,” Loew said. “This levy is important to maintaining a quality library system in Ohio.”