Library vote disappointing, but strong system remains

We're not convinced that Tuesday's defeat of a 27-cent levy to help fund Cedar Rapids' two public libraries means citizens don't see the value of libraries, or support their mission.

It's difficult to draw rock-solid conclusions from the 55-45 vote against adding the levy to local property taxes, particularly when there was no organized opposition arguing against it. Turnout, as usual, was disappointingly low. It's likely some voters simply opposed a tax increase. We've heard from residents who believe the construction of a new downtown library led to the need for higher taxes, despite considerable evidence to the contrary. The library system faced budget woes before the flood, and if anything, the new library's energy saving features and design efficiencies blunted those problems. We thought the library's argument that the levy would replace temporary city funding, relieve pressure on its fundraising foundation and end the practice of issuing bonded debt to pay for materials was a sound one.

But the final verdict, regardless of the reason, is clear. We've seen a fair number of disappointing election results over the years. This is one of them. But one thing we've learned is the worst reaction to bad news at the polls is an overreaction in the aftermath.

Library leaders, the city council and other stakeholders must now embark on a clear-eyed process to determine what can be done to shore up the library's budget, with an emphasis on patron access. It may be that hours must be curtailed and staff reduced, but officials shouldn't let frustration form the election verdict affect those decisions. The vote was less a mandate for swinging an ax than it was a directive to get creative with existing resources. It's a time to find solutions, not point fingers.

It's also possible, in the future, voters would be willing to accept a levy proposal less than 27 cents but more than the 4-cent levy that expired on June 30, 2014. There's plenty of evidence that failed ballot efforts in Cedar Rapids can later succeed with sensible adjustments.

We are convinced, despite the outcome Tuesday, that Cedar Rapids will continue to have a library system we can be proud of, and one of the state's finest. A system that draws 600,000 patrons annually and has Iowa's highest circulation has solid strengths to build on. One failed levy vote won't change that. It's time to learn some important lessons and move forward.

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