The library has delivered. Now voters must step up

When the Akron-Summit County Public Library embarked on an ambitious building program in the late 1990s, its leaders promised a more modern and accessible institution. They argued that the new main library in downtown Akron and the 15 new branches would become even more vital hubs in the community. They proved true to their word. The number of library card holders has soared since 1998, increasing 74 percent to 335,879. Visitors to library facilities have followed the same path, rising 78 percent.

The library plays an essential role elevating the quality of life. It does so as a gathering place, a source of information, a door to opportunity and a bridge across the digital divide.

Now Summit County voters must do their part. The library has a levy request on the May 4 primary ballot, Issue 16, a 1.4-mill replacement levy that would raise an additional $700,000 a year for operations. We strongly recommend a vote for Issue 16.

Any group of levy supporters, whether backing a proposal for a school district or a social agency or the zoo, will stress the critical need to approve its ballot issue. In this instance, advocates for the library aren't exaggerating a bit when they emphasize the importance of winning passage of Issue 16. This levy represents one-half, or $12 million, of the library's operating revenue. The levy expires at the end of the year.

Thus, defeat of the proposal would be devastating for the library and the county as a whole. Recent gains — and more — would be jeopardized.

The library is asking for a small sacrifice, even in these difficult economic times. The owner of a $100,000 house would see a tax increase of $2.55 a year, or roughly 21 cents per month, bringing the total property tax for the library to nearly $43 a year. The library isn't increasing the current millage. It has proposed a replacement levy, applying the current 1.4 mills to the increased property values since 2004, when voters last approved the levy.

The modest proposal reflects, in no small way, sound management. Public libraries across Ohio have had to cope with declining revenues from the state. The Akron-Summit County library has watched its state funding drop by 25 percent, a loss of $3.6 million, or one-eighth of its budget. The library has squeezed spending, among other things, reducing its work force by 10 percent. Staff members have gone without pay raises this year.

With the state facing a massive hole in its budget for the next biennium, starting in July 2011, the levy request becomes all the more important. The library isn't looking to make up for lost state money, now or in the future. That isn't in the fiscal cards. Rather, the levy request on the ballot involves enough money to maintain the library's indispensable presence at something close to its current level.

Consider just part of what the library provides. Many families depend on the library for access to the Internet, the library recording 1 million logons last year. Library officials adopted a strategic plan in 2006 that included the mission of opening its doors more widely to the community. The result? Movie nights. Book groups at branches. Programs in genealogy, Victorian women, memory and physical fitness, to name just a few offerings.

How do you attract teens, boys, especially, to the library? Stage a Madden football tournament. Once inside, the kids are more likely to discover all the library has to offer. Yes, books, too.

The library became the new home to the North Hill Needle Crafters, a weekly gathering for conversation and knitting for charity. A recent crossword tournament attracted a broad mix of competitors. Show up this Saturday morning at the Ellet branch, and you'll find Kris Meekins taking on all comers. The senior at Lake High School is a national chess master and the top-ranked player in Ohio.

Put another way, the library has become the town square, its books, computers, DVDs, CDs, programs and meeting rooms all available free of charge. This is valuable public space, its achievement reflecting well on all of us. Thus, the community should take pride in the library receiving a top five-star rating in a national ranking by the Library Journal.

The library levy has run into turbulence of late, its campaign proclaiming that Issue 16 is ''not a new tax.'' Well, it is a small tax increase. Yet, voters should know that the investment brings an incalculable return. Here is a success story, an institution keeping pace with change, enhancing and fulfilling its public mission — and seeking still to get better. Vote for Issue 16 to keep an outstanding thing going.

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