BEDFORD TOWNSHIP, MI (Toledo News Now) – It has been 8 years since Monroe County voters have voted on a library levy, but it will be time for a new one soon, because more people are using the libraries than ever before.
Some library users are pleased about the free access to the newspaper, and others come in for the computers. Administrators at the Monroe Public Library Systems say computer logins are three times higher than last year.
"People need them for resumes, for job search, to login to apply for unemployment benefits, to apply for jobs, to register for school. I think it's a vital function these days." explained Monroe County Library System Interim Director Nancy Bellaire, adding the increase is why it is critical for the community to renew the levy in August.
To be more efficient, the library has added self-checkouts at its main branches, and says it is replacing full-time workers who leave or retire with part-time employees. Bellaire says the levy covers 83% of the budget, and the libraries cannot function without it.
The levy would cost owners of a $100,000 home about $50 per year.
