Libraries are an essential resource for the community and provide valuable benefits that outweigh the cost of tax dollars. For instance, they offer free access to information, which allows everyone to become more literate and well-informed.
Libraries also serve as a space for the community to come together and unite at events and programming, making them an essential part of our society.
As voters, we are asked to consider important issues like issuing bonds for new or remodeled building projects to changing millages, levies, or taxes that impact staffing, collections, programs, and services. By advocating for libraries and investing in their resources and programming, we can ensure that they continue to serve our communities and provide access to the resources that we need.
It is important to recognize that book banning is a significant issue that costs taxpayers valuable dollars. Instead of being used to fund books and library materials, money is used to take away those materials. Rather than spending money on the time and energy needed to review books after challenges, we should redirect that money toward funding both public and school libraries. As taxpayers, we need to ensure that our children have access to well-funded public education and school libraries.
Wise investors know a good deal when they see it, which is why so many people who are smart and rich love their public library. Libraries provide immense value to communities by offering free access to information, making them an essential part of our society. The average U.S. household pays around $7.50 per month for library services, which provide access to thousands of books, music, movies, market research databases, and more. This makes libraries an excellent investment, with a return on investment (ROI) of around $5 for every dollar spent, and it could be up to $9.
The public value of libraries extends beyond just providing resources to patrons.
A well-funded library raises property values, helps develop an intelligent workforce, and makes local social services more efficient. Libraries also play a crucial role in teaching children to read, which is essential to their education and future success. Libraries offer age-appropriate storytime and other resources that help new parents learn how to teach their kids to read.
Libraries provide immense value to communities and are an excellent investment. From providing access to resources and programming to teaching children to read, libraries play an essential role in our society. Therefore, we must invest in our libraries and support their resources and programming to ensure that they continue to serve our communities and provide access to the resources that we need.