On April 8th, the Ste. Genevieve County Library will ask people to give life to a levy increase; an ascent to 15 cents per $100 valuation. For many, this will cost less than a cup of coffee during the course of a month but the value returned will be substantial. A positive response will strengthen the library’s current programs as well as secure planned activities both short and long term.
For years the library has been a cornerstone for learning and where people can connect. In 2017, an agreement with the Community Center resulted in the library operating under a reduced levy supplemented by $200k in funding. But with the recent sales tax shortfall, that agreement is in peril and sadly no saving benefactor knocks on the door. Should the levy be unsuccessful, the library shall be compelled to run on less funding than that of 1960.
The ongoing tax protest by Holcim LaFarge is keeping $100k a year from the library, further weakening the library in its effort to provide programs and services. Youth and young adult programs need to remain vibrant and adult programs require continued innovation. If needed funding remains beyond reach, library hours shall be curtailed. Staff positions shall be lost. School outreach programs will cease. Digital resources such as Libby and Hoopla may be discontinued and the book budget slashed to a minimum.
The library is not like that of previous generations. Technology now mingles with prose, history, poetry and international spies. It is a significant component of this community with each staff member residing in Ste. Genevieve County and whose help allows the library to be that conduit by which one may experience the world without leaving the room, or in observed silence whisper ‘checkmate’ as they take an opponent’s King.
Sincerely,
Robert Bach
Ste. Genevieve