Request seeks to extend current millage
GOODLAND TWP. — For the second time this year, township voters will be asked to consider a library funding ballot request. The November 3 general election ballot includes a proposal to renew the existing .8777 mills for a period of six years, from 2021 to 2026.
If approved, the millage renewal would generate approximately $59,500 in the 2021 calendar year.
The library is home to more than 6,500 books, offers children and adult programming and has recently expanded the free services it offers.
This year Goodland joined the state’s inter-library loan system, said Library Director Annette Adams.
“The Inter-loan system is one of the things that’s proven to be well worth the money spent, especially considering the pandemic and the fact that we’re stuck at home,” Adams said.
“Our patrons have access to materials from 449 public and college libraries from across the state.”
Recently, Adams became certified as a notary public after many patrons inquired as to where they could find such services.
Youngsters get into the spirit of things at a bubble-filled summer reading program event at the Goodland Township Library last summer. Voters will be asked to renew the library’s current millage on the November 3 ballot.
“Now they don’t need to make a trip into town or stop by their bank to have documents notarized at no charge,” Adams said.
Typically, the library hosts a summer reading program that includes special guests and performances like animal educators, magicians and musicians for their youngest patrons. From September through June, they offer Friday storytime hours for preschool-aged children.
“We’re actively getti
ng new materials for kids,” Adams added.
In the spring and fall, staff coordinate adult programming too like cooking and soap making demonstrations.
“We try to have something for everybody,” Adams said.
In addition to programming, Adams said the library staff prides themselves on being a general resource for the community.
“We try to answer everyone’s questions. People will call with all kinds of inquiries and we take the time to do the research and get those answers back to them,” Adams said.
“Traditionally that has been a longstanding aspect of libraries. We do try to the meet the needs of patrons and that’s what libraries are supposed to do.”
Helene Novy, a member of the committee supporting the renewal, believes it’s important that voters understand what happens if the renewal is turned down.
“Residents will pay a library millage tax even if this request is turned down. Our library would likely become part of another system and then taxpayers would be subject to that district’s levy,” Novy said.
In the August primary, voters rejected a request to approve a .9 mill, six-year levy by a 79-vote margin. The vote totals were 336 no and 257 yes.
The .9 mills represented a renewal of the .8777 current millage rate and .0223 in an additional levy. If approved it would have generated about $61,000 in the first year it’s levied.
The millage language states monies will be used for “operating, maintaining and equipping the Goodland Township Library and for all other library purposes as authorized by law.”
In addition to Adams’ full-time position, the library employs one part-time staffer.
The Goodland Township Library left the Lapeer District Library in 2011 and has been independently operating since then. Voters first approved a .9 mill proposal in
2013.
In addition to their collection of 6,000-plus books, the Goodland Township Library also has nearly 700 DVDs, provides free computer access and offers copying, printing and faxing services for a small fee.
For more information about the library and its services, visit their website at goodlandtownshiplibrary.org or call 810-721-2110.
