LEVY 2020
The MidPointe Library System will have a renewal levy on the ballot on Tuesday, March 17. Please find information regarding this levy, as well as why the Library is asking for continued community support below:
Something for Everyone in the Community
With current funding levels, the MidPointe Library System is able to provide a myriad of resources, materials, services, and programming to the residents of eastern Butler County.
MidPointe offers a collection of over a half million items, and partnership in the SearchOhio lending consortium gives patrons access to over 16 million items from across the state. In 2018 over 2.2 million items were checked out. Additionally, MidPointe provides internet access and public computers to assist people in finding jobs, accessing data and doing school work.
In 2018, MidPointe offered over 5700 programs. These are as diverse as yoga class and technology instruction for adults, to storytime and early literacy book clubs for children. The Library’s Summer Reading Program, which promotes literacy for all ages, celebrates year-round learning with over 12,000 participants annually.
MidPointe’s influence expands well beyond the buildings. Librarians visit childcare facilities and community centers to engage young people in the joy of reading. The Bookmobile makes stops at over 20 different local schools a month. Educators are able to stock their classrooms with books as a result of MidPointe’s “Teacher Collections.” The MidPointe Outreach Services Department delivers materials to over 200 patrons who are unable to physically visit the Library due to advanced age or disability.
Sensible Growth
Levy funding has allowed for needed expansion of services throughout the MidPointe service area. These include: opening new libraries in Monroe and Liberty Township to close two geographical service gaps, renovating an empty building to right-size the MidPointe Library in the City of Trenton, re-introducing Bookmobile service to provide both school and community stops, and launching a makerspace within the footprint of MidPointe Library West Chester to serve as a creative STEM space for children and a business incubator for adults.
Return on Investment
MidPointe provides free access to traditional books, magazines and A/V materials, as well as eBooks and other digital materials, programming for all ages, early literacy tools, databases, meeting room space, and more. MidPointe serves over 197,000 cardholders and welcomes more than 860,000 visitors a year.
For every dollar spent on libraries, there is an estimated return of $5-9.
Library Budgeting
The existing levy represents nearly 40% of MidPointe’s budget. Overdue fines and fees only represent 1.7% of the Library’s overall budget. The overwhelming majority of the Library’s expenses are devoted to collection development and public service and programs. MidPointe has continually been recognized as one of the most cost-effective libraries in the state.
Levy Details
- The levy on the March 17 ballot is a renewal. This is not a new tax.
- Levy funds make up nearly 40% of MidPointe’s budget.
- Levy Millage: .75 mill
- Length of Levy: 5 years
- Cost: The cost of this levy to the owner of a $100,000 home is approximately $23.85 a year (less than the cost of one hardback book).
- Levy funds will:
- Maintain services and materials at all MidPointe locations.
- Continue to provide current technological resources to the public.
- Allow for sensible expansion in our growing community.
- Sustain programs for children, teens and adults.
