Vote YES on Issue 7.

Tomorrow for the first time in history The Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County will go to the people and ask for a levy for continuing operating expenses. This levy request has been made after deep state budget cuts to the library systems were made by the state of Ohio in the wake of one of the worst recessions in history. Times are tough for everyone, but I implore you to consider voting yes on Issue 7.

The modern library has changed dramatically, but continues to be an important and vital part of the community. Many opponents of the levy say the libraries have not been good with money, buying large quantities of popular books is unnecessary, that DVDs should not be free, amongst other arguments. While some of these points may certainly be valid, the arguments for the library are stronger and certainly more important to the citizens of Cincinnati and Hamilton County.

The library still continues to primarily circulate books and written materials. While some have argued that DVD checkouts are the bulk of the problem with the libraries, 68% of the materials circulated from the libraries are books and written materials. The libraries also provide internet access to inner city parents of students at CPS that allow them to check grades and interact with teachers. Many people use this limited access to search for jobs. It is a valuable technology resource for those who otherwise would not have access to these tools.

Popular books, such as The Harry Potter and Twilight series have encouraged many children to read often times above and beyond their level. By ordering a good number of these popular books the library helps to encourage children to read, especially those who may not be able to otherwise afford the books at retail as well increase traffic and circulation at the branches.

As far the libraries being good stewards of our tax dollars, the system has already made many cuts including eliminating 200 jobs and decreasing operating hours. I think the more important point is that the system is an important steward of our communities. In addition to the aforementioned services the library offers, the are dozens of great community programs that encourage communities to come together and read. One of those programs, story times for children have directly affected our family in the best of ways.

We began taking our son Wesley to the Mt. Washington library when he was 6 months old. There he went to monthly and eventually weekly story times designed for babies, toddlers and pre-schoolers. Barb Petersen, the children's librarian, facilitated those story times. Wesley greatly enjoyed listening to stories, singing and dancing, and interacting with other children. Wesley is now six and a first grader at Guardian Angels school. His recent interim report indicated that he is reading at a 3rd grade level and assessment tests indicate he is comprehending at a second year 7 month level. We strongly believe that the time spent at the library at an early age helped to build a strong foundation and love of reading that is helping Wesley in his formal education. To this day Wesley loves to go to the library, check out books, music and yes DVDs and his sister now attends Mrs. Petersen's story times. The impact on our kids and family has been profound and is just one of certainly many stories of the positive impact the library has on the community.

If passed, this levy will cost the owner of a $100,000 home about $2.50 a month. That is less than a cup of coffee, a tank of gas, or even a DVD rental. But the impact of this investment will be huge.

Please consider this when going to the polls.

Oh and renew the school levy. It DOES not raise taxes, just a renewal.