Campaign Committee established for library levy renewal

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Five years ago, in the face of devastating state funding cuts, library supporters in Preble County approved a one-mill, five-year property tax to keep their libraries strong.

In the coming November election, Preble County District Library will seek a renewal of that tax levy for another five years. Despite further declining library funding from the State of Ohio since 2010, the library sees firsthand the financial hardships of Preble County citizens and will not be seeking a tax increase.

The “Support Your Preble County Library” committee is hard at work spreading the word about what taxpayers can do to keeps strong libraries in their communities.

The political action committee formed earlier this year to advocate for the upcoming levy renewal. Serving as Chairperson of the committee is Brenda Mezz, a member of the Preble County District Library Board of Trustees. Joyce Ann Young, a longtime library supporter and avid genealogist, is serving as the committee’s Treasurer, and Anne Grim, another member of the library’s Board of Trustees, is the Deputy Treasurer.

At locations in Camden, Eaton, Eldorado, New Paris, West Alexandria, West Elkton, and West Manchester, Preble County District Library has used the 2010 levy funds to increase and improve children’s, teens’, and adults’ programs. The libraries have introduced more technology classes and installed more computers for public use. And by joining the “Serving Every Ohioan” consortium of Ohio libraries last year, Preble County District Library cardholders now have access to over 8 million books, audiobooks, movies, and CDs. Also since the 2010 levy, the library added a large selection of eBooks and downloadable audiobooks to cardholders.

“For many of our communities, the library is the only public space to use a computer, access the internet, and give children a place to go after school,” Mezz said. “It’s only with the continued support of local taxpayers that the library will be able to continue such services. And being a renewal, Preble County voters will not see a tax increase with approval of the levy renewal.”

The “Support Your Preble County Library” committee is currently working on a grassroots fundraising campaign. All funds raised will be used to educate taxpayers and advocate for the passage of the renewal levy. Anyone wishing to contribute to the campaign: make checks out to “Support Your Preble County Library,” and mail to:

P.O. Box 742

Eaton, OH 45320

Contributions may also be made online at www.supportpreblelibrary.com. While there, supporters may also sign up to receive a yard sign as election day nears advocating for the library and offer personal endorsements for Preble County District Library.

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