If so, we need your help getting the word out for this important election in February.
Timberland Regional Library system has provided essential services for over 40 years to five counties in Southwest Washington. Now, for the first time in 40 years, Timberland is seeking a levy lid lift to allow libraries in your community to provide the same level of quality services you have come to expect from your local library.
With the proposed levy lid lift, the increased cost of library services to households with a $250,000 home would total $38.75 more per year, based on 15.5 cents per thousand dollars of assessed home value. Your $38 could easily be recouped in a number of ways, including:
* Opting to check out three hardcover books or four paperback books from the library in one year rather than purchasing them;
* Utilizing our reference databases (from home or the library) for information about auto repairs, genealogy, and access to thousands of full text periodicals from Consumer Reports to the Wall Street Journal;
* Taking advantage of your library’s FREE educational and entertaining programs, including children’s storytimes, author visits, and musical performances;
* Using the library’s high speed internet access for an hour each day or utilizing our wireless internet access during open library hours;
* Downloading two audiobooks with our downloadable audiobook service from the comfort of your home.
Reasons for the decision to place the proposition on the ballot include a levy rate that has dropped from 50 cents to 34.5 cents per thousand dollars of assessed valuation, rising inflation, lower than anticipated timber revenues, and the mandate of Initiative 747 that revenues from property taxes not exceed the 1% annual limit. TRL receives approx. 80% of its revenues from property taxes.
Reductions have been made to lower spending and conserve money in the budget as the library district is a responsible steward of the public funds. Reductions include:
* TRL will not fill four budgeted positions at its Administrative Service Center, which will save the district approximately $200,000.
* A hiring freeze on positions that are vacated. No position will be filled unless considered essential by the Executive Director.
* Elimination of Sunday hours at all eight libraries and Central Reference Services will save $150,000.
* Reduction in the usage of substitutes for vacations, illnesses and outreach activities will save TRL $150,000.
* The 2009 budget for purchasing library materials will be reduced by $367,000.
Please feel free to post any questions about the levy lid lift to this thread, and I will try to answer them as best I can. Also, there are lots of ways that you can help with the Yes! Library Campaign between now and February 3. Please PM me if you would like to hear more.
A parting quote: “Libraries will get you through times of no money better than money will get you through times of no libraries.”- Anne Herbert, The Whole Earth Catalog
