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Editor, News-Register:
In the upcoming May 14 primary election, Ohio County voters have two important decisions to make that will affect the continuing growth, development, and success for Ohio County Schools and the Ohio County Public Library. Both entities provide outstanding services to citizens and fulfill important roles within their communities, and we need to demonstrate our support by approving both their excess levies on the ballot.
Historically, the library has collaborated closely with the school system. Early efforts to establish a public library were supported and funded by the school system -- early librarians were employees of the Board of Education. When funding from Andrew Carnegie was sought for a new building, it was a Board of Education committee that prepared the letter that was sent to the well-known philanthropist. In 1911, the new library building was funded without Carnegie dollars by the Board of Education (the building was sited across the alley from Wheeling High School). Eventually, a third floor was built onto the Library which included classrooms for the use of the high school students -- the addition was connected to the school via a walkway that spanned the alley. So, the Library grew up as a "child" of the local school system and through the years the two groups have symbiotically grown and prospered. Passage of the excess levy will fortify and continue this historic strength.
Throughout the years, various legislative efforts have been enacted to fund the public library. However, communities in West Virginia generally have not been given taxing authority to create financing for public libraries. In the early 1930s, the first special law to fund the Ohio County Library was successful due to the visionary leadership of Wheeling legislators. The law provided for stable funding using a formula to capture dollars from both the Ohio County Commission and Ohio County Schools levying capabilities--that special law was the envy of communities throughout the state. Eventually, the law was declared unconstitutional, but the Board of Education continued to financially support the library. However, within recent years, the BOE felt the financial need to reduce OCPL funding and now is asking for the community to tangibly approve continued funding (at a restored level). It is time to provide the BOE with a clear message that the OCPL is a community treasure by voting FOR THE LEVY on May 14!
So, what are some key points about the Library Levy?
– The levy will require no new taxes to be legislated.
– The levy amount represents approximately 40% of the Library's annual operating budget.
– Without full and stable funding revenue the Library will be forced to reduce services, operations, and resources.
– The Library serves all citizens of Ohio County at all ages and levels. The Library functions as a "Safe Place" both physically and intellectually.
– The Library provides a wide variety of programming and offers its facilities for local groups to meet and present programming.
– The Library offers online resources and real-time programming that can be accessed from anyone with an online connection.
– The Library has been historically known for its innovative services and collections which today include Seed Swap collections, Library of Things (you can borrow tools), Children's play areas, interesting art and display installations, and other unique resources.
Citizens of Ohio County have always generously supported the library, but this is the first time voters have been asked to tangibly show their support by approving a library levy on the ballot. I hope that all Library supporters will tell their friends and neighbors how important it is to approve the Library Excess Levy. I hope that every voter will ask candidates running for election if they support approval of the library levy. I hope that citizens of Ohio County will remind Board of Education members that the public library serves as an incredible asset to local students and educators.
And, most importantly, I hope that you will vote FOR THE LEVY on May 14!
Charles A. Julian
Wheeling