Two information sessions will be held next week for the public to learn more about the proposed levy for the Franklin-Springboro Public Library.

Library Director Anita Carroll will present information and answer questions on the library’s budget and 1-mill, five-year levy proposal on the Nov. 3 ballot. The meetings are set for 6:30 p.m. Oct. 13 at the Springboro library, 125 Park Lane, and at 6:30 p.m. Oct. 15 at the Franklin library, 44 E. Fourth St. The levy would cost the owner of a $150,000 home about $46 a year, officials said.

Image by wiccked via Flickr

The Support Our Library Levy Committee NEEDS YOU as a VOLUNTEER! Please come to see how you can help campaign for the library's 1 mill levy on the November ballot, to raise operating money desperately needed for the Franklin-Springboro Public Library. Come to the next meeting with ideas on getting the word out, and to see if there are things you want to help with.

When: Thursday, August 20 6:30 p.m.

Where: 50 Tahlequah Trail -- that's in the business buildings behind Edwards Furniture on Route 73, across from McDonald's.

Who needs to be there: YOU! And please bring a friend or two!

As you probably already know the library is going to have a 1 mil levy on the ballot on November 3. They are having a meeting to gather volunteers for the campaign on August 20th @ 6:30pm to begin the process for the campaign. There are all kinds of jobs available-- big or small.

Thank you for your help!

Image by OZinOH via Flickr

No one wants to believe it but we are halfway through this year already. That is right half way through this year. Many people will celebrate Christmas in July and many people will begin Voting in July. Though both of these actual events are 5 to 6 months away. There are many events that are around many areas celebrating Christmas in July. And there are many rumors, articles, and debates around about issues that must be voted on in November but are already being discussed here in July.

We found this article in digging around about potential levies. This is another levy that has caught the eye of most residents on making up the difference between Ted Strickland's budget cuts on the Public Library Funds.

Read the article for yourself and let us know how you feel by clicking here!

"Ohio libraries have been busy contacting their local government officials in a rush to prevent Governor Ted Strickland's proposed budget cut of Public Library Funds by $227.3 million over the next two years.

Strickland's proposal is an effort to help close a $3.2 billion gap by June 30.

A vote on Monday, June 29, was expected to discuss these cuts, but some libraries, like the Franklin-Springboro Public Library have been hurting even before Strickland's budget cut proposal.

According to the director of Franklin-Springboro Public Library, Anita Carroll, the library has already been in the process of having to cut services, staff, new materials and putting on hold necessary maintenance.

Already, the library has decided to put a 1 mill levy on the November ballot to help keep the library running efficiently.

"One reason we wanted to do the levy is because this library actually needs to grow," she said. "So that levy and the money from the state was going to allow us to grow."

However, if Strickland's proposed cuts are approved, the levy will only generate enough revenue to keep them serving the community.

"We'll be okay and we'll be able to keep our doors open," said Carroll.

A levy resolution from the Franklin-Springboro Public Library must be approved by the Franklin City Schools in order to be put on the ballot. The library's service district encompasses Franklin Township, Franklin City, Carlisle, Springboro and the western part of Clearcreek Township to Bunnell Hill Road. The Ohio Revised Code states that the Franklin City Schools can place a levy on the library's behalf for the entire service district. Therefore, the majority from the service district will decide the vote.

"This operating levy is a first for any library in Warren County, so it is kind of a new concept for the residents," said Carroll.

The bottom line is if the budget cuts by Strickland do happen, Carroll said, "Literally, we'll cease to be the library that everybody in this community has come to know and love. We just wont be able to do it anymore."

Story from Springboro Sun Jennifer Osterday

Read the article for yourself and let us know how you feel by clicking here!