Albany Public Library re-vote
The re-vote on the Albany Public Library is Tuesday (voting locations are the same as the school budget vote locations). The new version of the budget cuts more than $700k from the budget rejected in May -- but would still increase library taxes 15 percent. One of the reasons the APL says it needs the budget increase: staffing and maintaining the new branches that opened over the last few years. [APL] [TU] [AOA]
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10 Reasons to Vote YES on the Library Re-Vote 6/19:
For improving kids’ literacy: it’s a no-brainer. The more time kids spend reading, the better readers they become. Libraries allow all kids—regardless of socioeconomic factors—access to books at home – and in a wide variety of topics and genres. Better readers = better students, citizens, employees.
For social engagement: getting-out-of-the-house is important for stir-crazy or socially-isolated adults, too! Storytimes & book clubs provide places to have adult interactions, and support in the tough work of child-rearing.
For improving economic opportunities in tight times: libraries help job-seekers, offering support as varied as computer access for honing resumes, books on career changing, or workshops on interview prep. Also - expert assistance at tax time.
For free wi-fi & air-conditioned oases in hot & humid weeks like this one! Found: A sunny workplace that doesn’t require buying endless cups of coffee. (Replace your coffee-shop habit with library visits and offset your increased tax bill!)
For getting to know home: whether you want to know what Albany was like 50 or 400 years ago, there’s few better places to start than the Pruyn Collection of Albany history, and there you can tap the expertise of local historians.
For exploration of times & places beyond: whether a novel on
nineteenth-century Chile, a guide to astronomical wonders, or a trip planning book, libraries help us imagine elsewhere.
For arts & culture on the cheap: for instance, did you know you can check-out a free pass to nearby museums (like the Clark) at the library branches? That’s a $15 value for an adult in the summer months.
For a robust entertainment life: you can see bands play (e.g. Garage Bands in the Garage), check-out DVDs and hear music without paying for the download.
For renewed civic engagement: the libraries make news media available & publicize local events – like neighborhood association meetings.
In short, tax dollars should be channeled to successful public
programs, and APL is a great success. Circulation and visits are up 20% since the expanded branches opened. Let’s vote yes for a smarter, more informed, cultured, imaginative, prosperous, civic-minded community.
... said Kendra on Jul 19, 2011 at 10:30 AM | link
The public library is the best bargain in town. The very small increase to my taxes will be "paid off" by a few trips to the library to take out free DVDs.
There is so little in this city that we residents have direct control over. This is one of those rare times when our individual act of voting actually gets us something unequivocally tangible and positive. Today is my birthday and it felt like a real gift to be able to walk my dog to the polls and vote yes so my branch library can thrive.
Okay, I'm checking the time and everyone still has 8 + 1/2 hours to get to their polling place to vote YES !!!!
... said chrisck on Jul 19, 2011 at 12:36 PM | link