First library operating levy earns approval

By DREW STAMBAUGH

Enterprise News Editor

An operating levy for the Swanton Public Library was approved by voters for the first time in its history on Tuesday. The levy passed 2,441 to 2,151 votes.

"We are very grateful to the Swanton community for showing their support of the library with their yes votes," said Library Director Linda Slaninka. "The library is for everyone and it serves hundreds of people of all ages every day of the week, including Sundays."

Levy revenue will supplement declining state support.

"Because Swanton Library has not received local support in the past, the monies received will ensure that current services will remain intact and uninterrupted in the wake of dwindling state revenues and this tough economic time," said Library Director Linda Slaninka. "Specifically we will be able to maintain our evening and weekend hours."

She added that some eliminated services will be reinstated and the library will be able to add to its current budget for new books, magazines, movies and audio books.

Last year, Swanton Library Trustees, employees and community members developed a five-year strategic plan Six areas of service were the focus of the plan. They are public internet access, early literacy, ready referance, lifeling learning opportunities, reading, viewing and listening pleasure and virtual space.

"Trustees and staff hope that in 2009 they will now be able to move forward with implementing the plan," said Slaninka. "Levy funds will be a big part of making that possible. Updating technology for public access and implementing the Ohio Ready to Read initiative will be two important priorites."

There are no current plans to add new staff. There are, however, several positions that have remained open as staff left, according to the director.

She said that they desparetely need to fill the position of page. The page is a "very important part" of the library team who puts all materials back on the shelves.

"We have been functioning without a page for the last four months, so I hope we can open that job up again next year," she said. "It will be necessary to evaluate the income potential from this levy before determining if it will provide for any additional jobs. The library will will need to comply with minimum wage increases in January."

Slaninka has heard several people express their graditude for the passage.

"This week, dozens of people have told me that they are very happy that the levy passed," she said. "They go on to say that they don't know how they could live without their library."