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Holmes library levy fails

From the article:
“It’s just so sad.”

Simple in language, deep in meaning, those four words uttered by Holmes County District Public Library Director Arlene Radden started a silent bobbing of heads, all nodding in agreement. She was surrounded by members of her staff, board and supporters of the library, many of whom wore their support by way of red, white and blue attire.

The observation followed posting of results for Tuesday’s special election at the Holmes County Board of Elections. A 0.8 mill, five-year levy to support operations of the library failed at the polls, with 1,542 (43 percent) of voters casting ballots in favor of the levy and 2,031 (57 percent) voting against the issue.

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Categories: Ohio Libraries

Orrville library officials ‘elated’ at levy’s passing

From the article:
Elated” was the word that Orrville Public Library Board President Tom Troyer selected to describe his feelings about the solid passage of the 0.95 mill continuing operating levy by voters Monday.

Voters passed the levy by a margin of more than two to one, with 773 residents voting in favor, compared to 312 voting against the measure.

The levy passage comes on the heels of voter approval of a school levy in May, something which backers of the library levy felt might negatively impact its chances of passage.

But supporters of library clearly felt that its standing as one of the top-ranked libraries in the U.S. for a town its size was too important to put in jeopardy.

“This takes some of the burden off the board’s shoulders and gives us a little flexibility,” said Troyer, who has watched as heavy-handed state budget cuts increasingly forced the library to cut back hours, personnel and services, and was nearing jeopardizing its core mission.

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Categories: Ohio Libraries

Coshocton County township…make do with less money

From the article:

Eric Taggart, director of the Coshocton Public Library, said it plans to continue reduced operations that started in 2009, when its budget was cut by more than $400,000 from the state.

All the employees — about 20 full time and 12 part time — are working shorter hours. In addition, four exempt, or salary, employees took pay reductions.

As a result the main and branch libraries are open fewer hours.

“The thing we all see as a problem here is we’re not as available to the public as we would like to be,” Taggart said.

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Categories: Ohio Libraries

Writers Help Newcomerstown Library

From the article:
Newcomerstown Public Library in Newcomerstown, Ohio, has been struggling to remain open in its small community due to state budget cuts. The library formed a fundraising committee last fall and has been working hard to raise funds so that it may continue operating.
Many authors have responded with enthusiasm. Elizabeth Berg, author of The Last Time I Saw You, Joy School,and other works, offered to come to the library and give a lecture on September 8, at no charge to the library, saying she loved small libraries. Berg is bringing Jane Hamilton (The Book of Ruth) with her to speak, too. For $30, attendees will get a buffet dinner and will then hear the authors speak about their books and their lives as writers.

Read Full article at Publisher’s Weekly

Categories: Ohio Libraries