For 10 cents a day, you can help your library!
What is Mary L. Cook library to her patrons?
*A safe haven for teens
*The closest library in fourteen miles or more from home
*A place to search the internet for jobs; work on resumes and
cover letters
*Close to Wayne local schools with resources for teachers,
parents, students as well as children with disabilities
What does this library provide to all who walk through her doors?
*Access to technology
*A large array of events for all ages
*Access to books both at the library and through interlibrary
loan
*A highly skilled library staff to help with book collections and
planning lesson plans for teachers and homeschoolers as well
as help students with reports and research papers
So, come visit the library! Volunteer your time if you can.
Mary L. Cook Library----The Last Great Escape.
Saturday, September 12, 2009
Friday, September 4, 2009
How can I help?
CITIZENS FOR
MARY L. COOK LIBRARY
You can make it happen!
YES, I WANT TO HELP PASS THE LIBRARY LEVY.
Please contact me to help Citizens for Mary L. Cook Library in one or more of the following ways:
_____ Place a yard sign on my property.
_____Select and contact others to accept a yard sign.
_____Deliver and place yard signs in predetermined locations.
_____Make telephone calls to library supporters before Election Day.
_____Host an informal gathering at my home.
_____Help organize volunteer activities.
_____Go door-to-door in my neighborhood to talk about the levy and distribute information.
_____Arrange for someone to speak about the levy at my organization (church, civic group, etc.)
_____Sign, address and send letters or e-mails to acquaintances to request their financial support.
_____Sorry, my schedule is booked, but I would like to help by making a financial contribution of
$_____to “Citizens for Mary L. Cook Library”.
_____You may use my name as a supporter of the Mary L. Cook Public Library levy in public announcements.
Signature:_________________________________________________
Name:_____________________________________________________
Address:___________________________________________________
City/State_______________________________Zip Code____________
Telephone:_____________________E-mail_______________________
Please mail this form to Linda Swartzel, co-chair
356 St. James Place
Springboro, OH 45066
Paid for by the Citizens for Mary L. Cook Library, Lonnie Schear, Treasurer
Not printed at public expense.
MARY L. COOK LIBRARY
You can make it happen!
YES, I WANT TO HELP PASS THE LIBRARY LEVY.
Please contact me to help Citizens for Mary L. Cook Library in one or more of the following ways:
_____ Place a yard sign on my property.
_____Select and contact others to accept a yard sign.
_____Deliver and place yard signs in predetermined locations.
_____Make telephone calls to library supporters before Election Day.
_____Host an informal gathering at my home.
_____Help organize volunteer activities.
_____Go door-to-door in my neighborhood to talk about the levy and distribute information.
_____Arrange for someone to speak about the levy at my organization (church, civic group, etc.)
_____Sign, address and send letters or e-mails to acquaintances to request their financial support.
_____Sorry, my schedule is booked, but I would like to help by making a financial contribution of
$_____to “Citizens for Mary L. Cook Library”.
_____You may use my name as a supporter of the Mary L. Cook Public Library levy in public announcements.
Signature:_________________________________________________
Name:_____________________________________________________
Address:___________________________________________________
City/State_______________________________Zip Code____________
Telephone:_____________________E-mail_______________________
Please mail this form to Linda Swartzel, co-chair
356 St. James Place
Springboro, OH 45066
Paid for by the Citizens for Mary L. Cook Library, Lonnie Schear, Treasurer
Not printed at public expense.
Mary L. Cook Public Library---The Facts about the 2009 Levy
Q. Why is this levy necessary for the Library?
A. Library revenue has decreased, while library use has steadily increased.
To continue the Library’s tradition of providing quality materials, excellent service and innovative programs, the Library needs a consistent, dependable source of income. Since 2000, the population in our service area has increased 62%. Circulation is up 18% from 2008. Internet usage has increased 109% so far this year. These increases have unfortunately coincided with a decrease in funding the Library receives from the state.
Our revenues have steadily fallen since 2001. In 2009 the Library will receive $184,000 less than in 2001. Compared to 2008, the Library received $146,635 less in 2009 and will receive $206,882 less in 2010.
Q. These are tough times, why can’t the Library “tighten its belt?”
A. We already have.
Despite decreased state funding, the Library has worked to maintain a balanced operating budget and operate within anticipated revenue. The Library board made the conscious decision to deal with state funding cuts internally, without reducing hours, cutting services or eliminating programs until this year.
Our Purchased & Contracted Services expenditures have increased 39% since 2001. These are maintenance and utility costs largely out of our control. In response, the Library has decreased its Materials budget by 18% and Supplies by 12% since 2001.
Even with such careful stewardship, the Library is now using cash reserves to make up the difference between annual revenue and expenses. Our cash reserves will be depleted in two years. The Library will need additional operating revenue by then to simply maintain the reduced level of service we deliver now.
Q. What are the specifics of the levy?
A. It is a 1 mill operating levy for five years.
This levy will be used for operating expenses and will be for a five year period. The Library has not sought an operating levy in its 92 year history. The owner of a $100,000 home would pay $30.62 annually for the Library. That’s less than 60 cents per week, per household. The levy issue will be on the November 3rd ballot and voters in the Mary L. Cook Public Library service area may vote on the issue. This area includes Waynesville, Wayne Township, Harveysburg, Corwin, and parts of Clearcreek, Massie, and Washington Townships.
The levy is estimated to provide $564,865 per year, although County Auditor Nick Nelson has cautioned this number could be reduced significantly due to property value reassessments. With the expected continued decline in state funding, this levy will provide a more dependable source of income.
Q. What will the Library do if the levy passes?
A. We plan to restore hours, service, and programming and will continue to evolve library service in response to emerging societal and technological trends. Specifically, we will:
§ Provide DVD rentals at no cost to our patrons.
§ Continue to provide wireless network access and support advanced technologies for patrons.
§ Increase computer services and training opportunities for all residents.
§ Continue to provide a safe environment for children, teens, and adults.
§ Evaluate and improve services as needed to make the Library more user-friendly and efficient.
Q. What will the Library do if the levy fails?
A. We will work with the community to determine what actions to take to best serve residents in the Mary L. Cook Public Library service area.
If the Library does not secure additional operating money by 2011, when most of the cash reserves will be exhausted, we will have no choice but to further cut staff, reduce hours, close additional days, and eliminate programs. The possibility of closure is not out of the question.
*For more information, contact library director Linda Swartzel at (513) 897-4826 or swartzli@oplin.org.
A. Library revenue has decreased, while library use has steadily increased.
To continue the Library’s tradition of providing quality materials, excellent service and innovative programs, the Library needs a consistent, dependable source of income. Since 2000, the population in our service area has increased 62%. Circulation is up 18% from 2008. Internet usage has increased 109% so far this year. These increases have unfortunately coincided with a decrease in funding the Library receives from the state.
Our revenues have steadily fallen since 2001. In 2009 the Library will receive $184,000 less than in 2001. Compared to 2008, the Library received $146,635 less in 2009 and will receive $206,882 less in 2010.
Q. These are tough times, why can’t the Library “tighten its belt?”
A. We already have.
Despite decreased state funding, the Library has worked to maintain a balanced operating budget and operate within anticipated revenue. The Library board made the conscious decision to deal with state funding cuts internally, without reducing hours, cutting services or eliminating programs until this year.
Our Purchased & Contracted Services expenditures have increased 39% since 2001. These are maintenance and utility costs largely out of our control. In response, the Library has decreased its Materials budget by 18% and Supplies by 12% since 2001.
Even with such careful stewardship, the Library is now using cash reserves to make up the difference between annual revenue and expenses. Our cash reserves will be depleted in two years. The Library will need additional operating revenue by then to simply maintain the reduced level of service we deliver now.
Q. What are the specifics of the levy?
A. It is a 1 mill operating levy for five years.
This levy will be used for operating expenses and will be for a five year period. The Library has not sought an operating levy in its 92 year history. The owner of a $100,000 home would pay $30.62 annually for the Library. That’s less than 60 cents per week, per household. The levy issue will be on the November 3rd ballot and voters in the Mary L. Cook Public Library service area may vote on the issue. This area includes Waynesville, Wayne Township, Harveysburg, Corwin, and parts of Clearcreek, Massie, and Washington Townships.
The levy is estimated to provide $564,865 per year, although County Auditor Nick Nelson has cautioned this number could be reduced significantly due to property value reassessments. With the expected continued decline in state funding, this levy will provide a more dependable source of income.
Q. What will the Library do if the levy passes?
A. We plan to restore hours, service, and programming and will continue to evolve library service in response to emerging societal and technological trends. Specifically, we will:
§ Provide DVD rentals at no cost to our patrons.
§ Continue to provide wireless network access and support advanced technologies for patrons.
§ Increase computer services and training opportunities for all residents.
§ Continue to provide a safe environment for children, teens, and adults.
§ Evaluate and improve services as needed to make the Library more user-friendly and efficient.
Q. What will the Library do if the levy fails?
A. We will work with the community to determine what actions to take to best serve residents in the Mary L. Cook Public Library service area.
If the Library does not secure additional operating money by 2011, when most of the cash reserves will be exhausted, we will have no choice but to further cut staff, reduce hours, close additional days, and eliminate programs. The possibility of closure is not out of the question.
*For more information, contact library director Linda Swartzel at (513) 897-4826 or swartzli@oplin.org.
WHY A LEVY IS NEEDED!
Most libraries in Ohio are funded almost totally by the Public Library Fund (based primarily on Ohio sales tax and income tax revenue). PLF Funds make up 94% of Mary L. Cook Public Library’s income.
Some Libraries supplement their State funding with local money generated by an operating levy.
The Mary L. Cook Public Library currently operates almost exclusively on state funding, never having gone to the local community for an operating levy.
The money Ohio allots to the Public Library Fund is shrinking - drastically. Ohio supports its libraries better than most states, so libraries become a tempting place to cut a budget. In June, 2009 the governor had proposed an even bigger cut for libraries in 2010. An outpouring of support from library users of all ages kept the reduction amount lower.
By the next biennium budget cycle the money generated by the levy
could very well be the library’s assured funding source,
with any amount from the state just a supplement to the budget.
Recent reductions have meant - - -
§ In 2009, our library is receiving 21% less than in 2008.
§ In 2010, our library will receive at least 30% less than 2008.
Because funding is based largely on tax revenue, cuts may be even more extreme if revenue does not rebound!
Mary L. Cook Public Library Received from Ohio ~
2001 $ 722,517
2005 $ 679,381
2008 $ 684,919
2009 $ 538,284 (Projected)
2010 $ 478,037 (Projected)
2011 & Beyond … continual drop in, or no state funding
The Library has been forced to expend Capital Funds (savings put aside for future maintenance, expansion, and renovation) for current building maintenance & technology.
Budgeted in 2010 - $27,000 annual maintenance for hardware & software licenses
$30,000 for required catalog/server upgrades
$80,000 for building and equipment maintenance
What has already been done ...
For several years, Library Director Linda Swartzel has cut expenses in every possible area, but eventually the Library Board had to authorize:
v reducing hours by 20% (13 hours/week)
v wages cut $71,000 (18%) from 2008 wages
v reducing programming
v reducing the purchase of new books and other materials
Levy on the Ballot!
On November 3, 2009, voters in our service district (Waynesville, Wayne Township, Massie Township, part of Clearcreek Township and part of Washington Township) will vote on a ballot issue:
Five year 1-mill levy for Mary L. Cook Public Library operating expenses.
This is the first time the library has asked the local communities for operating money. If the levy passes, the Mary L. Cook Library will receive approximately $564,865 ($525,000 - $540,000 when county real estate assessments are adjusted.)
What this means to the homeowner:
This levy is an increase of property tax.
A homeowner with property of an assessed value of ...
$100,000 will pay $30.62 per year ($2.55 a month)
$150,000 will pay $45.93 per year ($3.83 a month)
$200,000 will pay $61.24 per year ($5.10 a month)
***Point of clarification: the library levy is not connected to any school levy from any district.***
On Election Day local voters have an opportunity to decide what kind of library they want. The proposed levy is for five years. Therefore, even if the levy passes, the Library Board will be very frugal with the money, in anticipation of further cuts from Ohio.
If the levy passes ...
The library board will be able to:
Once again provide DVDs at no charge!
Restore Sunday hours!
Restore the 18% pay cut the staff has taken!
Restore programming!
Purchase more new books and materials again!
Add e-books and e-audiobooks to our collection!
If the levy fails ...
The anticipated $478,037 of revenue in 2010 from State money will only cover basic costs and personnel, at the reduced hours at which the library is now operating. There will be no new books or other materials, no new computers, fewer programs and no other improvements. Money would be spent only on essentials.
Since further cuts from the State are anticipated, if the levy fails, the Library Board will need to consider a further scaling back of hours, possibly closing one day per week, with fewer staff to help patrons. Scaling back hours and staff will impact the number of programs available for preschoolers, children, teens, and adults. As computers become outdated and fail, they will not be replaced.
The ultimate goal of the Library Board is to continue to serve Waynesville, Harveysburg, and Corwin and all residents in our service area to the highest degree our finances will allow for as long as possible.
Some Libraries supplement their State funding with local money generated by an operating levy.
The Mary L. Cook Public Library currently operates almost exclusively on state funding, never having gone to the local community for an operating levy.
The money Ohio allots to the Public Library Fund is shrinking - drastically. Ohio supports its libraries better than most states, so libraries become a tempting place to cut a budget. In June, 2009 the governor had proposed an even bigger cut for libraries in 2010. An outpouring of support from library users of all ages kept the reduction amount lower.
By the next biennium budget cycle the money generated by the levy
could very well be the library’s assured funding source,
with any amount from the state just a supplement to the budget.
Recent reductions have meant - - -
§ In 2009, our library is receiving 21% less than in 2008.
§ In 2010, our library will receive at least 30% less than 2008.
Because funding is based largely on tax revenue, cuts may be even more extreme if revenue does not rebound!
Mary L. Cook Public Library Received from Ohio ~
2001 $ 722,517
2005 $ 679,381
2008 $ 684,919
2009 $ 538,284 (Projected)
2010 $ 478,037 (Projected)
2011 & Beyond … continual drop in, or no state funding
The Library has been forced to expend Capital Funds (savings put aside for future maintenance, expansion, and renovation) for current building maintenance & technology.
Budgeted in 2010 - $27,000 annual maintenance for hardware & software licenses
$30,000 for required catalog/server upgrades
$80,000 for building and equipment maintenance
What has already been done ...
For several years, Library Director Linda Swartzel has cut expenses in every possible area, but eventually the Library Board had to authorize:
v reducing hours by 20% (13 hours/week)
v wages cut $71,000 (18%) from 2008 wages
v reducing programming
v reducing the purchase of new books and other materials
Levy on the Ballot!
On November 3, 2009, voters in our service district (Waynesville, Wayne Township, Massie Township, part of Clearcreek Township and part of Washington Township) will vote on a ballot issue:
Five year 1-mill levy for Mary L. Cook Public Library operating expenses.
This is the first time the library has asked the local communities for operating money. If the levy passes, the Mary L. Cook Library will receive approximately $564,865 ($525,000 - $540,000 when county real estate assessments are adjusted.)
What this means to the homeowner:
This levy is an increase of property tax.
A homeowner with property of an assessed value of ...
$100,000 will pay $30.62 per year ($2.55 a month)
$150,000 will pay $45.93 per year ($3.83 a month)
$200,000 will pay $61.24 per year ($5.10 a month)
***Point of clarification: the library levy is not connected to any school levy from any district.***
On Election Day local voters have an opportunity to decide what kind of library they want. The proposed levy is for five years. Therefore, even if the levy passes, the Library Board will be very frugal with the money, in anticipation of further cuts from Ohio.
If the levy passes ...
The library board will be able to:
Once again provide DVDs at no charge!
Restore Sunday hours!
Restore the 18% pay cut the staff has taken!
Restore programming!
Purchase more new books and materials again!
Add e-books and e-audiobooks to our collection!
If the levy fails ...
The anticipated $478,037 of revenue in 2010 from State money will only cover basic costs and personnel, at the reduced hours at which the library is now operating. There will be no new books or other materials, no new computers, fewer programs and no other improvements. Money would be spent only on essentials.
Since further cuts from the State are anticipated, if the levy fails, the Library Board will need to consider a further scaling back of hours, possibly closing one day per week, with fewer staff to help patrons. Scaling back hours and staff will impact the number of programs available for preschoolers, children, teens, and adults. As computers become outdated and fail, they will not be replaced.
The ultimate goal of the Library Board is to continue to serve Waynesville, Harveysburg, and Corwin and all residents in our service area to the highest degree our finances will allow for as long as possible.
Thursday, September 3, 2009
My personal experiences at Mary L. Cook
I have been to a number of libraries in my life and have never felt as comfortable and at home as I have at our own Mary L. Cook library. I remember when I first moved to Harveysburg and was looking for a library. I even recall walking in with my daughter, then two years old, and being welcomed by smiling faces as I entered the library. These women got me set up to check out books right away and even asked me about my daughter. I was told by Ms. Kathy about the wonderful story times that the library had and then I looked at what they had in terms of programs. From reading groups to what I found to be a wonderful summer children's program, I was hooked. I made a point to go as often as possible to the library and ended up offering my time to help with story times and to do puppet shows for the children who attended these story times.
I was taught at a young age that it was important to give back to your community and as a teacher, I knew which way I could give back. I offered to do more and more story times and was happy as can be! I teach high school English and loved to spend time with these wonderful children who attended story times regularly. As a teacher, I know the importance of reading, I realize that in order for my daughter to learn, she must read every day. Thanks to my involvement with the library, the warmth of the staff and the patrons who attended story times that I led or attended, I truly feel blessed. My daughter, Heather, is now six and a half and she was so funny when she first started kindergarten. I remember last year when she came home from school to tell me, "Mom! We went to the school library today! They told us how to check out books and take care of them. I knew that already!" Of course, this was the same child who squealed with joy over receiving books for her second birthday.
So, I know the importance of COMMUNITY, I realize that I can't teach Heather everything myself no matter how good a teacher I might be. I need others to help expose her to new books, new ideas, crafts, amazing events and so much more.
I sit here typing this and have to laugh at the different events we have attended at the library. From llamas on the lawn to taking part in milking a goat, I can truly say that the library is the center of our fun. I look at Heather, now a first grader, and have Ms. Kathy, Ms. Sheila and so many other of the wonderful librarians to thank. My daughter feels so comfortable in Mary L. Cook and she has such a love for books that I am truly amazed and blessed. Thank you Mary L. Cook for my experiences and may I do my part to help you now.
The library needs us all to do our part to help her keep her doors open. On the ballot in November, there will be a $1 mil levy to help with the many expenses the library incurs. Mary L. Cook has never needed a levy until now. The total cost for a normal person like you or me would be minimal. For every 100,000 you home is worth, it would cost you merely $30.62 a year. This is less than a drink from a pop machine a week! I will gladly pay that amount to have access to this great library. We all are faced with tough times right now, but I will forgo at least one or two pizzas a year to ensure that I can go to the library and show my daughter the many worlds she can find within books. So, until tomorrow, I ask you---have you visited Mary L. Cook library lately? If not, visit her. She is waiting with open arms.
Blog writer: Jen Martin
I was taught at a young age that it was important to give back to your community and as a teacher, I knew which way I could give back. I offered to do more and more story times and was happy as can be! I teach high school English and loved to spend time with these wonderful children who attended story times regularly. As a teacher, I know the importance of reading, I realize that in order for my daughter to learn, she must read every day. Thanks to my involvement with the library, the warmth of the staff and the patrons who attended story times that I led or attended, I truly feel blessed. My daughter, Heather, is now six and a half and she was so funny when she first started kindergarten. I remember last year when she came home from school to tell me, "Mom! We went to the school library today! They told us how to check out books and take care of them. I knew that already!" Of course, this was the same child who squealed with joy over receiving books for her second birthday.
So, I know the importance of COMMUNITY, I realize that I can't teach Heather everything myself no matter how good a teacher I might be. I need others to help expose her to new books, new ideas, crafts, amazing events and so much more.
I sit here typing this and have to laugh at the different events we have attended at the library. From llamas on the lawn to taking part in milking a goat, I can truly say that the library is the center of our fun. I look at Heather, now a first grader, and have Ms. Kathy, Ms. Sheila and so many other of the wonderful librarians to thank. My daughter feels so comfortable in Mary L. Cook and she has such a love for books that I am truly amazed and blessed. Thank you Mary L. Cook for my experiences and may I do my part to help you now.
The library needs us all to do our part to help her keep her doors open. On the ballot in November, there will be a $1 mil levy to help with the many expenses the library incurs. Mary L. Cook has never needed a levy until now. The total cost for a normal person like you or me would be minimal. For every 100,000 you home is worth, it would cost you merely $30.62 a year. This is less than a drink from a pop machine a week! I will gladly pay that amount to have access to this great library. We all are faced with tough times right now, but I will forgo at least one or two pizzas a year to ensure that I can go to the library and show my daughter the many worlds she can find within books. So, until tomorrow, I ask you---have you visited Mary L. Cook library lately? If not, visit her. She is waiting with open arms.
Blog writer: Jen Martin
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