Dear Editor:
When I was a young boy, I often went to the local library where I could find just about any book that I wanted, take it home, read it and return it within 2 weeks. All I needed was a library card and a desire. I had to know something about what I wanted to read, because there was no Internet to help me find a subject, author, book title or anything else. There was a card catalog, and shelves of books, sorted by type, author, etc.
Today’s library user has an entirely different experience. The Chelsea District Library (CDL) is a vibrant place that not only has books, but music CDs, movies, magazines (printed and online). Many other items and services are also available to help the user to enjoy life, assist with a project or learn how to do new things. Computers are available for people who do not have one, or free Wi-Fi for people who have computers, but who live in an area without decent service. A Friends group of volunteers is always busy raising money to support programs that otherwise would not be available.
The largest form of funds to the library comes from Property Tax Millage. There are small stipends from some other sources, but some don’t always get doled out yearly. The library millage is regulated by law and is subject to periodic adjustment by the 1978 Headlee Amendment. The CDL’s funding has been affected with a reduction from 1.75 mils (per $1,000 Assessed Value) to 1.6321 mils.
On the Aug. 5th ballot there is a millage increase request of $0.32 per $1,000 assessed property value. It’s another few dollars a year added to your already bloated budget, but the difference is that you can gain more from using the library and actually get many bargains for the money you spend.
I am asking you to make an informed decision and I think that you will find that a YES vote for the CDL additional millage is the right thing to do for you, your family’s and your community’s benefit. The proposal is on the last page of the August 5th Primary ballot.
John Budinger
Sylvan Township
