Libraries and Referendums
By Albert B. Kelly
As anyone who follows
these things knows, libraries are always under fire for one reason or another. There
are those who see the library as a vital resource for everything from books to
computer access. On the other hand, there are some who see the public library
as relic of the past; no longer necessary in our internet connected digital
age.
The idea of putting the
issue of library funding- and the tax increase needed to accomplish that
funding- up for a vote has been a hot topic of debate lately. Under this
scenario, the library and its funding would go on the ballot in November so
that voters could vote “yes” or “no” as to whether to increase taxes to fully fund
the library.
In today’s fiscal climate,
who could argue with such a proposal? But here’s the thing; much depends on how
we ask the question and I’m not entirely sure that the people who absolutely
need and depend on the library aren’t the very ones who are most on the margins
when it comes to voting.
First and foremost I’m
speaking of children, elementary ages up to teens; a large number Latino and
African American, (race and ethnicity factor in here) in our community, who
depend on the library as resource and a lifeline for learning, study, research,
internet, and the activities they access at our library.
Beyond the children, there
are also a sizable number of families who depend on the library. Increasingly,
business and job opportunities are accessed digitally and so much is done
electronically if it’s done at all- including government benefits, information,
and other resources.
My point is that a viable
public library is not a luxury or a relic of a bygone age, but a critical
resource for the educational and financial wellbeing of a fair number of our
residents trying to keep up with rapid change in the digital age.
I am in full support of
the library, but the proof of that support isn’t confined to a vote on a
referendum in a couple of months. Last year, taxes were raised 3 cents with all
of that increase going to the library. The goal remains to fully fund the
library and we’ll get there, but gradually, not with one quick roll of the
dice.
In light of the County tax
increase and the changes afoot from the recently completed revaluation, an up
or down vote on raising taxes for the library is a lot to ask. And if the
answer is “no”, do we simply ignore it because it was “nonbinding” or do we say
“oh well” and close the doors for good?
The value of some things,
like maintaining a library in a challenging community, is measured well beyond
dollars and cents and we need to consider carefully what that value is and what
the unintended consequences might be, especially for those who really don’t
have the voice to be heard.
It may well come down to a
ballot, but if it does, I think we have an obligation to communicate with the
entire community; especially those who will be most impacted by a “no” vote-
whether “binding” or “nonbinding”. Some believe we should always let the
majority view prevail. Perhaps, but if that were the only measure, I might
still be considered three-fifths of human being or some such thing. Go figure.
My point is that throwing
an issue up for a vote doesn’t always mean that justice will be served or the
right thing done; sometimes the right or the best thing for a community is to
consider the needs and the prospects of its least powerful members and try and act
in their best interests.
If some wish to make the
case that children, and even some of the adults most affected by a “no vote”,
aren’t tax payers, the only thing I’ll say to that is if we do things right,
one day they will be and then we’ll all be better off.
However we go, I’m not in
favor of waking up on a cold morning in November only to find that we had an
extraordinarily low voter turnout, because most people didn’t know or
understand, and a handful of adults decided that thousands of children can do
without their public library.