Cedar Rapids Holding Library Levy Vote November 3

On November 3, Cedar Rapids will be voting on a tax levy to help the Cedar Rapids Public Library maintain operating expenses. If you own a home, 27-cents per $1000 of assessed value of your property would be used to pay the levy to maintain "current levels of service" at the library. The Cedar Rapids Public Library website has more details.

When the new library opened in downtown Cedar Rapids in 2013, it garnered a mixed reaction. Many felt that the project was too lavish and, unfortunately, this new levy campaign might reinforce that.

As a frequent user of the new library who also spent a lot of time at the old location, I can tell you firsthand they've been able to update/upgrade a lot of their basic services and also add more unique services to benefit the community. Besides having books/e-books, DVDs and Blu-Ray, CDs, and magazines for checkout free of charge (unless your dog destroys them), they've also expanded their internet access with free Wi-Fi. Plus they offer computer classes. There's more space and more meeting rooms. You can even have a birthday party or your bridal or baby shower there, and this month they've done free Alfred Hitchcock movie screenings. However, it might be tougher for people who aren't regular library patrons to justify more tax money to support things like the tuba festivals and chess tournaments that have taken place there recently.

But the need for more money to maintain services means there are more services to maintain, a sign of success for the library.

One of the options to cut costs if the levy doesn't pass, is for the library to cut operating hours and close one day a week. You'd hate to see such an attractive space sit closed once a week, but since they already only stay open for a fraction of the day on Sunday, this might be an easy sacrifice for the public.

Take time to look at the information on the library website, make your decision and vote on November 3.

[Via Cedar Rapids Public Library]