Because of cuts in state funding, the Union County Carnegie Library has been forced it to curtail purchases of new books and other materials. Head librarian Nancy Rosenwald told Union County Council last month that without more money, the library would have to shorten its operating hours from 54 hours a week to 30. She asked the county to raise the millage levied for library operations and assume responsibility for maintenance at the facility.
While council considers the request, two local groups have responded to the library’s appeal for help — the Friends of the Library donated $20,000 and the Union Rotary Club is giving $10,000.
Over the years, the Friends of the Library has donated both money and time to support Carnegie. Back in the 1980s, the group led a fund-raising campaign which enabled the library to expand. Since then, the Friends have also helped pay for a Bookmobile as well as other capital projects.
Examples of the Rotary Club’s generosity are evident all over town — from the fitness equipment at Foster Park to the benches along Main Street and the new baseball fields at the Timken Sports Complex. Each week, it seems, the club is donating money to another worthy cause, and the Carnegie Library is no exception.
Without the help of its “friends,” Union County probably would not have a library which was recognized by Library Journal this year for its emphasis on customer service, welcoming attitude toward children and up-to-date computer services.
Donations by the Friends, the Rotary Club and others have reduced the library’s budget deficit from $80,000 to around $20,000. But they don’t take the place of tax millage, which the library depends on for its survival. Once again, we urge county council to increase the library’s tax millage, which will help replace cuts in state assistance.
“America’s Best Small Library” deserves the best support we can provide.
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