Library mill increase on June ballot

Lorie Steerman describes the Whitehall Library as the heart of the community. A member of the Friends of the Whitehall Community Library, she recently discussed the importance of the upcoming June 2 mill levy election.

The Jefferson County Library board is seeking an additional nine mills, an approximate cost of around $141,534. According to Steerman, the increase at current value would annually cost county taxpayers an additional $12.15 on a home worth $100,000; $24.30 on a home worth $200,000 or $38.57 on a home worth $300,000. This would be the first mill increase for the libraries in Jefferson County since 2004.

She said the Whitehall Community Library would like to increase its hours of operation, increase staffing to assist more patrons, and upgrade the technology to meet today's needs.

The levy will allow the library to open on Tuesday and Thursday which will require additional staffing. Steerman added additional funding would also improve the technology infrastructure, enable the library to purchase more materials for checkout, fund more and various program for adults, teens, children, preschoolers and babies.

"Technology is outdated and practically from the time it is installed. The Library must be able to update their computers, routers, wireless, etc. in order to keep up with the constant use of their patrons. Books, DVDs, and other materials are continuously rising in cost. The Library checks out hundreds of DVDs every year and patrons enjoy having the newest movies and series to enjoy at home," she said.

In the past, she said the only complaint the staff has received is the library is not open more hours – something that would change with the levy.

"More hours would enable everyone to use the computers, attend programs, check out materials, etc. for an additional eight hours a week. Patrons would no longer have to wait until 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday and Thursday to have access to the building," she said.

For those who may not visited the library in a while, Steerman described what it is like in the hours after school, something important to both younger and older residents.

"You can find an adult comfortably in a chair reading a local newspaper. An adult using a computer to search for jobs. Children playing games or completing homework on a computer station. A STEM class teaching students how to make something, a music class downstairs, an adult computer class being taught. Or an interesting program in the evenings about World War II, or the history of kimonos. Funding is essential to be able to provide various hours to meet the needs of its patrons, to provide programming and enrichment classes, as well as to be able to purchase current materials, books, DVDs and computer games. Funding is essential for the summer reading program, as well as the various programs that the library provides throughout the year," she said.

With the increase of around $12 for each $100,000 of home valuation, Steerman said for the cost of a couple of cups of specialty coffees, or a couple of cheeseburgers, or a pizza, taxpayers can enjoy the benefits of having an active, progressive library at their convenience.

"Please vote. Remember not voting is a no vote. We need everyone's support to be able to continue to provide the excellent service patrons have come to expect from their library. Whitehall Library is a vibrant, busy epicenter in our community that provides materials and programs for patrons from birth to 100," she said. "The Whitehall library offers reading programs to preschoolers, Head Start, Meadowlark Manor. There are history book clubs and mystery book clubs, Dungeon and Dragons, Pokemon Club. There are beginning and advanced computer classes. There is currently a Holocaust class with 19 members who range in age from teenagers to senior adults. There are painting classes, music classes, afterschool STEM classes. Sweet Tea Tales, where participants choose a theme, then provide a baked item based on the theme, as well as research and presentations which promote learning and public speaking skills. The library provides a safe environment for children and young adults to spend time learning and being entertained. In order to keep providing these services, passing the levy is essential."