For the first time in the Mount Gilead Public Library’s 108 year history, its board is seeking an operating levy. The current bond levy from 1998 for the building will expire in 2018 and the building will be paid off.

The current funding for operations by Ohio’s State Library Fund was cut by about 30 percent in 2009. That led to a cut back in hours the library was open as well as cutting back on purchase of library books and materials as well as library staff.

With the end of the building levy in 2018, the library board is seeking support for a one mill operating levy on Nov. 8th. The levy will last five years at $2.91 per month or $35 annually on a $100,000 home.

Board member, Deb (Mrs. Ted) Logan said the funding will reestablish regular library hours and make it possible to be open six days a week. There is also a need for a new roof and other maintenance on library buildings. This will also mean the library will be able to increase and improve children and adult programs. She added that the Mount Gilead Library is a great free resource for books.

Library Director, Mike Kirk said there were more than 24,000 visits to the library in 2015. Many community youth and adults have had instructions on using computers and also use library computers. The library houses the ABLE lab which gives individuals a chance to get their high school diploma.

Reading materials are delivered to individuals who aren’t able to visit the library. Genealogy resources are available to all members of the community. Both youth and adults benefit from several library programs including: children’s story hour, chess club, knitting group, book club, and family movie night.

For more information about the library, library programs, or library resources, their website is mglibrary.org.

By Alberta Stojkovic

The Sentinel

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