Library levy will cost less than one Starbucks monthly

Dear Editor,

After doing some research on the Meigs County Library, I believe the residents of this county should be aware of some eye-opening facts. Sometimes in our busy lives we just take things for granted, and our local library is just such an institution. I was surprised to find out that a 1-mill levy will appear on the ballot as a 5 year operating levy. I always thought that our library was supported through local taxes. It is not so. Our local libraries are supported with tax dollars from the state’s Public Library Fund. Most of us are aware of the monetary crisis facing Ohio. As costs have soared, the library has experienced a 33.5% cut in its operating funds. The library is now operating with funding on the same level as it was in 1997.

Since that time they opened two additional branches so that all of the county can access the library. It is a testimony to the leadership of our library board, Mrs. Kristi Eblin, and the library staff that we have maintained the quality of services found at this time. Imagine trying to live on your 1997 income. Impossible. The library system we have is a cultural necessity. We cannot allow our community to be denied the many services they offer such as best-selling books, DVD’s audiobooks, E-books, computers, children’s programs, and many desk services.

Upon learning of the levy, I wondered how much this was going to cost me. Wow! It will cost a mere $2.67 per month for the owner of a home valued at $100,000. That’s less expensive than a Starbuck’s coffee. Please, vote in favor of this levy. It is part of the heartbeat of this county.

Patty Asbeck

Middleport, Ohio