On Monday, December 7, 2009 in response to a series of public forums regarding the budget crisis, the Board of Trustees of the St. Joseph Public Library voted to authorize a request to increase the tax levy from .42 to .62. This issue will appear on the April 6, 2010 ballot.

• This 62 cents represents the .27 permanent existing levy, the .15 levy which will sunset in 2020, and a .20 levy increase.
• The .20 increase represents .18 to restore and maintain services, .01 to create a maintenance fund, and .01 to enhance library holdings above their 2008 level.
• A .20 levy increase is estimated to cost an average of an additional $18.21 per year per citizen living within the library district.

WHAT WILL HAPPEN
If the levy passes, Sunday hours will be restored, the materials budget will be restored, and the hiring freeze will be lifted. A maintenance fund will be created to ensure that the four beautiful buildings that comprise the St. Joseph Public Library remain in good shape.

If the levy does not pass, hours will be reduced as staff leave. This will likely occur to a mild degree immediatelly following the election, and will continue until library hours have been reduced by 25%. It will be impossible to request new books or have adequate large-print or other special needs books. Programs like the summer reading program will be in jeopardy. The library buildings will not be open in the evenings when many community organizations utilize the meeting rooms.

Did You Know?
In 2008-2009 (before the budget and service cuts we are trying to restore), the library provided a 494% Return on Investment (ROI) for taxpayers in the district. See the details

WE NEED YOUR HELP!
Visit the committee page to learn more about how you can volunteer, display a yard sign, or make a donation..

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Information is the currency of democracy.
Thomas Jefferson