“A little library, growing larger every year, is an honorable part of a man’s history. It is a man’s duty to have books. A library is not a luxury, but one of the necessities of life.”Henry Ward Beecher

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does the library need the money?

There are still some areas where our library falls short and doesn’t quite meet the needs of our community. 

Post-pandemic, there is a greater need for digital services. The millage will allow the library to update available technology and update its free public Wi-Fi. The millage will also allow the library to increase digital offerings by adding language learning software like Mango Languages, and digital newspaper subscription services. Currently, the library offers a limited collection of five print newspapers.

Residents have also expressed that they wish to see a change in the library’s hours ideally having the library open earlier to serve visiting seniors, open later to serve working families, and provide consistent hours that are easier to remember. If passed, the millage will allow the library to add 19 additional hours of operation per week and open from 9 a.m.to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday.

The library is experiencing growing demand for services. Childhood literacy is a particular area of growing demand at the library. The Read by Grade Three law requires that third-grade students meet reading requirements or repeat the third grade. The library would like to increase our efforts toward childhood literacy and create more literacy activities for children.

Senior services is another area experiencing growing demand. As baby boomers are retiring, the senior population is expanding. The library needs to be able to meet that growing demand for senior services. The millage will allow the library to add more programs for seniors so this age group has the resources to stay active, stay informed, and stay safe.

The small, open floor plan of the library is inadequate for people to study, meet with tutors, apply for jobs, attend classes or attend virtual events. The library needs to be a space that is conducive to learning.  The millage will allow for the library to have small study pods.

 The two study pods, made out of repurposed shipping containers, will be completely finished with insulation, electrical outlets, and furniture. Installation of the pods will cost around $100,000, and provide a quiet space for multiple users at a time. 

Posted in Library News.