Support our library – Yes on A

Whether you’re a library patron or not, we believe strongly in a Yes vote for Measure A that’s coming to your mailbox.
It’s a simple proposition. Homeowners will be assessed the same amount for the next 10 years that is being assessed now on their property tax bill under a special tax levy that costs $33.66 per year for a single family home.
That’s well worth the money. The libraries South County residents patronize in Gilroy and Morgan Hill are both beautiful facilities that are used very heavily.
In fact, it’s a shame that the levy didn’t ask for a bit more per year so that keeping the libraries’ doors open on Sunday and Monday would be possible without further ado.
 Our libraries are places when children learn to love reading. They are places of study and exploration. They are safe havens in a busy world and a place where community happens – whether that’s a meeting or a book club or a class on computer programming. Some say libraries are outdated, but some say that print newspapers are outdated, too. We reject both notions, with the understanding that evolution is ongoing.
Appropriately, the libraries provide a place to connect with the world through extensive computer availability. That’s a necessity in today’s world. What makes the library a powerful tool is the potent combination of knowledge that exists within. It’s a wealth of knowledge spread before patrons thirsty to drink from its well.
That’s worth $33 a year.
The ballot arguments against are typical, and certainly pay and benefits for public employees these days are an issue. But smart voters have to weigh the facts. The facts are that the library joint powers association will have less money to keep the doors open, less money to supply materials to patrons and less money to expand programs.
It’s also worth noting that many of our school libraries are either closed or operating under very limited circumstances.
Keep the doors open, keep the materials flowing, decide that $33 per year is worth it. Vote Yes on Measure A and do so with conviction.
Consider this: “Libraries are community treasure chests, loaded with a wealth of information available to everyone equally, and the key to that treasure chest is the library card. I have found the most valuable thing in my wallet is my library card.”
~ Former First Lady Laura Bush
Yes on Measure A.