Editor:

This year Preble County District Library is celebrating its 60th birthday. Last year, PCDL had a weekly average of 2,162 visitors with 241,969 titles checked out from its eight branches. But the library is more than just a place to get books and our library continues to expand different ways to serve with many new technological advances.

In 2018, 18,035 ebooks and 6,994 audiobooks were downloaded and the library’s genealogy databases had 181,405 visits. Its 53 computers were used 20,969 times and there were 74,417 wireless sessions. Over 10,469 attendees came to 1,273 programs. A Homeschool Hour is held twice a month. Over 1,000 patrons benefited from the library’s outreach services, which help those homebound and in nursing homes.

These are just a few examples of the many services offered.

In the beginning, the library was primarily funded by the Public Library Fund (PLF) as a percentage of the state’s General Revenue Fund. Several years ago the PLF was greatly reduced. Since then, citizens have approved a local property tax, which has supplemented the library’s funds by providing almost 38 percent of its budget. As a board, we are very diligent about how the library money is spent.

This fall the library is asking voters to approve a 1-mill replacement levy to help the library continue the excellent services it provides. This replacement will cost the owner of a $100,000 home less than an additional 68 cents per week.

This is a small price to pay for the excellent services the PCDL provides. Support your local library.

Ed Bell, President

PCDL Board of Trustees