The local measure that will be on the ballot for all of Lawrence County will cut local support of the Lawrence County Library in half – from 2 mils to 1. A mil on real and personal property is a tax rate of .001 on the dollar. With the majority of library funding coming from local support, this would cut the library income by 43% and have devastating effects on the
library system. The Lawrence County Library Board of Trustees has made plans to close branch locations in Imboden and Lynn, and cut staff and service hours in Walnut Ridge as well, should
this measure pass. Staff shortages will result in fewer programming options as staff will need to be in the building, and the library will not be able to do as much outreach to the community.
Digital library users will suffer the loss of Hoopla, as wait times increase on Libby. All of these cuts will only result in recuperating half of a mil, so additional cuts will also have to be found.
Lawrence County has maintained its independence as a single county library for all its existence. This means we can make our own rules concerning collection of materials and services offered. This has been achieved by a locally grown, experienced professional on staff full-time for the past 28 years.
Libraries have been adapting to the needs of our communities, and serving the youth has long been the desire of Lawrence County. We care for our community through offering continuing education for all ages – for those who can afford to buy books or internet access
equally with those who otherwise would not have the same level of access. With citizens working from home and homeschool on the rise, the need for library services continues to increase.
I hope that when you consider which way to vote on this measure, you consider the
lasting impact it will have on future generations of Lawrence County residents. As we attract new industry to our area, let’s show them what Lawrence County is really about, supporting
one another and making sure all of our citizens have access to the resources necessary to
continue to build our community for the better. Vote Against.
By Ashley Burris, LCL Director