Euclid Library on May 4th ballot

Euclid residents are visiting the library and using our services more than ever! Since 2006 circulation of library materials is up 18%, visits to the library are up 11%, and the use of computer workstations is up 26%. And 2009 was a record-breaking year as cardholders checked out over 1.5 million items!  

Euclid Public Library is a vital resource for the community. In these hard economic times household budgets are tight, and home Internet connections are often no longer affordable. Residents are using the library’s Internet connection to write resumes, hunt for jobs and apply online. Purchasing the latest bestseller just published, going to a movie or renting one on the weekend are now expenditures that are no longer in many family budgets. We estimate that a resident who visits the library once every two weeks to check out these items saves $4,771 annually.

This May the library is on the ballot with an issue that replaces an existing 3.5 mill operating levy that expires at the end of the year, and adds .5 mill for operating that will maintain current services and programs. This levy represents nearly half the library’s operating budget. The following levy facts should provide you with the information you need to make a decision about this issue.

How necessary is this levy? It is critical! The levy provides half the money we need to run the library. In the past 5 years, circulation of materials is up 18%, visits to the library are up 11%, the public’s use of the computer workstations is up 26%. Also, we’ve had a 25% increase in the items requested from other libraries to fill patron requests. 

What other revenue sources does the library have? The State of Ohio provides revenue for the library. In the hard economic times of recent years, state revenue has decreased by 19%, interest income has dropped 53% and the levy has been collecting 13% less revenue than predicted. The library receives no funding from the City of Euclid.

How has the library trimmed its budget so far? Books, DVD movies and CD budgets have been cut 25%. The budget for computers has been cut 33%. All staff have taken a 3% pay cut. Substitute employees have been eliminated. Five full time positions remain unfilled. A five-hour cut to service several years ago has never been reinstated. 

How will the levy funds be used by the library? The levy funds will be used to maintain hours and services at the library.The library already has trimmed its budget. This levy, when passed, will provide approximately 50% of the operating budget for the next 5 years. What’s in the levy for me? If you visit the library once every two weeks to borrow materials you will save approximately $4,771 per year. 

How much will the levy cost per month? The levy will cost an additional $1.05 per month for a home valued at $50,000 and an additional $2.25 per month for a home valued at $100,000.

Is this the only levy the library has? Yes, in its 75-year history, the Euclid Public Library has been supported as an independent library by the residents of Euclid. This is the only levy that maintains the library.