Letter to the Editor: Says new library in CC won’t raise taxes

The referendum on the Charles City library is a non-binding advisory referendum. A “yes” vote is not a vote to raise taxes; the board of supervisors will be doing that anyway to fund their capital improvement plan, which does include the library, but not for another several years. By that time, we’ll have paid off enough debt to cover the service of the library with existing revenue.

Rather, a “yes” vote is a vote to support improved education for our children and grandchildren. It is a vote for access to programs to help seniors with their medical and financial questions. It is a vote to help small business owners learn to make their businesses better. Study after study shows that every dollar invested in building and maintaining public libraries is returned to the community more than six times over.

I am reminded of the words of Thomas Jefferson, who wrote in 1809, “I have often thought that nothing would do more extensive good at small expense than the establishment of a small circulating library in every county, to consist of a few well-chosen books, to be lent to the people of the country under regulations as would secure their safe return in due time.”

Charles City is the only county- the only county- without a dedicated library. Our families deserve better. I hope that in November, you will all agree at the polls.

Jay Templin
Ruthville