Support Cedar Rapids library levy request

More than 3,000 signatures in three weeks to support the highest used library in the state! We want to share why now for the request for the library levy and why this is fiscally responsible.

After the flood, great thought went into planning for physical space and long term sustainable operational funding. Fiscal responsibility was paramount.

While slightly larger than the 1985 library, the additional 7,000 square feet was needed for children, teen and civic uses, all of which were undersized or non-existent in the pre-flood space.

More than $7 million of private funds were raised in one of the largest capital campaigns in City history, signaling confidence in the library's standing in the community.

Debt-free, sized right and built to last, this library was built for our grandchildren and generations to come. With a geothermal system and other LEED platinum investments, we built a library that is energy efficient and sustainable.

To address operational funding, the board of trustees initiated a levy petition drive in June 2009 to answer the question ahead of the building program.

With the required signatures in hand, we did not move forward. The community feedback was clear: 'We don't know enough about the new library. It will be years before the new library is on-line and this funding will be needed.” All true.

We worked with state legislators to change state law to allow for a special election. Other flood victim and flood protection measures understandably needed to take precedence.

Faced with years of delay, we made the leadership choice to move forward. We knew we had basic operational funding; this levy ensures long term sustainable funding for a strong and quality library.

Iowa legislation provides the library levy as the avenue for communities to adequately fund their library. Eighty-three communities in Iowa have the levy, with 77 communities at the full 27 cents. Cedar Rapids is at zero.

Costing $23 per year for a homeowner of a $150,000 home, the library levy ensures ongoing, uninterrupted access and allows for a 'pay as you go” plan for the book and material collection rather than being funded through City bonding (debt with attendant interest costs).

With a 27-cent library levy, the library will cost an estimated $50 per capita, which is average for libraries our size in Iowa. Without the levy, CRPL potentially moves to one of the lowest funded at less than $40 per capita.

Closing facilities is not in the plans. However, changes in the hours of operation, the quality and number of program and technology offerings, and the quality and quantity of the book and material collection will be felt.

CRPL is an above average experience at an average cost demonstrating fiscal responsibility. While the story is complicated, the end result is simple: We have a beautiful library, but beauty is only skin deep. The real beauty lies in the knowledge and exchanges that take place daily at our library. A YES vote for support is smart and yes, fiscally responsible.

Gary Streit, President, Cedar Rapids Public Library Foundation

Joe Lock, President, Cedar Rapids Public Library board of Trustees

Harriet Kalinsky, Vice President, Cedar Rapids Public Library board of Trustees

' Comments: Joe.Lock@EIHC.co