The Board of Trustees of the Pemberville Public Library System will be placing a 5-year, 0.8 mill replacement operating (current expenses) levy on the ballot for November 5, 2024. There is no increase in millage and has remained the same since the original levy in 2014. The Pemberville Public Library System serves all residents of the Eastwood Local School District, and all registered voters in the district will have the opportunity to vote on the replacement levy. The levy will produce $365,000 each year. The cost to the owner of a $100,000 home is approximately $28.00 per year, which is less than $2.50 per month or less than the purchase of one new best-selling novel. All proceeds benefit the Pemberville Public Library, Stony Ridge Branch Library, and Luckey Branch Library.
Library Funding Breakdown
The library system depends on the operating levy for 35.02% of its annual funding. The rest of the funding comes from the State Public Library Fund, donations, fees, and miscellaneous sources.
Accomplishments Since the Operating Levy (2019)
· Established a new building for the Luckey Branch, which includes a Makerspace.
· Collaborated with WoodLink (the seven independent public library systems in Wood County) to continue the Dolly Parton Imagination Library of Ohio.
· Continue to provide free programming and activities for all ages (Next Chapter Book Club, Summer Reading Program, Story Times, Cemetery Walk, Book Buddies, Tween Challenges, Relatively Speaking, and more!).
· Purchased new and additional hotspots to provide more internet accessibility.
· Increased purchasing of digital materials that can be accessed through our SEO Libraries, Hoopla, and Libby App.
· Continue to work with the State of Ohio to provide COVID-19 Test Kits.
Planning Ahead
The replacement levy will allow the library to continue progressing for the future. Funds from the replacement levy will provide means for:
· Maintaining free interactive programs for kids, teens, and adults throughout the year,
· Maintaining our statewide delivery service,
· Continuing to enhance library materials,
· Improving our physical buildings and equipment.
The Library Board of Trustees is appointed by the Eastwood Board of Education and by law, any levy request must be placed on the ballot by our taxing authority, the Board of Education. Please note: the Eastwood School System is not involved in this levy except for placing it on the ballot. All proceeds benefit Pemberville Public Library and Branches in Stony Ridge & Luckey.