Help Your Local Public Library
Michigan public libraries are facing hard times these days. Just like everyone else. But because of falling property taxes, funds to support libraries are also falling. Libraries get much of their funding from residents.
In the Lansing State Journal this week was a plea from the Capital Area District Library (CADL) for residents to vote for a millage renewal on August 3. Without the renewal the library system will be forced to shut down. Important to note here is that this renewal is also a cut in revenue of almost $600,000 due to dropping property taxes. (Read the entire article here Library’s Request is Timely Necessary LSJ)
On a brighter note there are funds available for rural libraries in Michigan. The Rural Libraries Initiative (more info here from the Michigan USDA site) provides loans of up to $500,000 and terms up to 40 years for libraries in rural communities to improve and update their facilities and develop services.
In leaner economic times libraries are a rich resource of entertainment and support. They offer free DVDs, books, newspapers and magazines, and internet access. Plus libraries have job search tools, resources and assistance, and enrichment products like foreign language tapes, and programs to teach yourself computer skills.
Thinking of new ways to help libraries save money can help keep them open and thriving. Lakeshore Documents helps libraries stay current with scanning rare and precious books to share with the general public, scanning archive newspapers, and converting microfilm to digital images for easier search-ability. OCR services make digital images searchable by content. As digital images take up less space, more space is available for children story times, book club meetings, and visiting poet luncheons.
Visit your public library, give when you can, and try to vote in favor of keeping your local public libraries open and active. How do you or how does your business support your local library?