| Author
|
Post |
 
|
|
00SL2
F L I N T O I D
|
Ballot Proposal Language
Shall the limitation on the amount of taxes which may be imposed on taxable property within the Flint Public Library District be increased in an amount not to exceed 1.4 mills ($1.40 on each $1,000.00 of taxable value) for a period of 10 years, beginning in the year 2012 and ending in the year 2021, inclusive, as a renewal of the 0.9 mills previously authorized by the electors of the Library District in 2002 plus new additional millage in the amount of 0.5 mills, for the purpose of providing funds for Library purposes? It is estimated that 1.4 mills would raise approximately $1,761,000 when first levied in 2012.
Flint Public Library Home Page
http://www.flint.lib.mi.us/
Library Millage - Vote August 3, 2010
http://www.flint.lib.mi.us/about/millage/index.shtml
Did You Know...
...that the Flint Public Library is almost 160 years old?
...that over 125 school classes visited the library in 2009?
...that the Flint Public Library houses one of the largest genealogy collections in Michigan?
...that the Flint Public Library received the 2004 "Library of the Year" award from the Institute of Museum and Library Services?
...that the Flint Public Library has wireless Internet access?
...that over 1,100 people visit the Main Library every day?
...that the Flint Public Library offers community meeting space?
...that the Flint Public Library has over 100,000 items for children and teens?
...almost 90,000 people attended library programs last year?
...that 1/3 of Flint Public Library users are children and teens?
...that the library has over 420,000 books, movies and CDs?
...that FPL Librarians answer almost 150,000 reference questions each year?
...that the Flint Public Library provided more than 166,000 computer sessions last year?
How the Library is Funded
The Library is funded by a millage. That means our revenue is determined by property values, which will have decreased 20% from 2008-2012.
The Flint Public Library has diligently managed its budget. We have slashed expenses and staffing, while maintaining outstanding programming and services.
However, a 20% decrease in revenue would mean drastic changes to the Library as we know it. The 1.4 mill Library Millage Proposal which is on the August 3, 2010 ballot is the absolute minimum necessary to keep our essential programs and services. Two-thirds of it (.9 of 1.4) is a renewal of the existing millage.
What will it cost me?
The average Flint home is valued at $46,000. For the average homeowner, this millage would be a $19 renewal and an $11 increase.
What will I get?
How much would you spend on a book or CD? How about a night at the movies? An extra $11 per year will allow the library to continue providing more than 420,000 books, CDs and movies, along with Wi-Fi and downloadable e-books, all at your fingertips!
Frequently asked questions about the millage proposal »
Why the Library is so important
Flint is transitioning from a factory town to a college town. We’re becoming a place where new employers will expect - and require - an educated workforce. The Library is essential to that transition.
One-third of Library users are children and teens.
The Library reinforces their education, expands their horizons, and instills a love of life-long learning. It is a resource for personal renewal and reinvention that equips all of us for a changing economy.
The Library is so much more than books.
It is a refuge where people come together for strength, and encouragement. It is a place for discussion, exploration and entertainment. The Flint community has worked for 160 years to build a nationally-recognized treasure that is essential to our community. The Library is our passport to economic renewal, open and available to everyone.
Election Information »
http://www.flint.lib.mi.us/about/millage/election.shtml
Community Support
Flint voters have a long history of supporting their library. With that strong support, FPL provides a rich variety of services to library users, which are even more necessary in these tough economic times.
Library Services
* The Library’s collection includes 426,000 items – books, music, audio and video, online materials, and (soon!) downloadable books and movies.
* The Children’s collection of almost 100,000 items provides essential support for children’s early literacy, school work and pleasure reading.
* Librarians answer over 148,000 reference questions each year and make available to the public 96,000 items of reference materials, as well as dozens of online databases. Flint Public Library is the only public research library in the area.
* FPL provides space for community groups to meet.
* The Flint Public Library hosts the Greater Flint Afro-American Hall of Fame, both in-house and online.
* FPL archives the history of Flint, keeping and preserving records of local people, organizations and even governments. Many items in the collection are only available at the Flint Public Library.
* The Library houses the second largest open-stack collection of genealogy material in the state of Michigan; volunteers from the Flint Genealogical Society staff the genealogy research area daily
* FPL offers high speed internet access utilized by many for research, job searches, preparing resumes, and email.
* The Flint Public Library provides more than 166,000 computer sessions each year and free computer classes.
* Librarians provide help and coaching to patrons using the computer- a service not available at many other computing centers
* Each year, over 89,000 adults and children attend library programs: tax preparation assistance, story time for young children, live music performances, family-oriented programs and lectures from nationally-renowned speakers, authors and poets.
Library Users
Flint Public Library’s active borrowers reflect the demographics of Flint. FPL is used by all segments of the community, especially young people, and all geographic areas of the city.
* 38% of Flint residents of all ages are active borrowers at FPL.
* Over 400,000 visitors come to the Library each year; that’s more than 1100 a day at the Main branch.
* Of Flint city active borrowers, 2/3 are age 35 and younger
* In 2009, 125 school classes visited the Library, and a total of 28,000 people attended children’s programs.
Read our patrons' "Library Love Stories" »
http://www.flint.lib.mi.us/about/stories/index.shtml |
|
|
Sat Jul 31, 2010 2:17 pm |
|
|
00SL2
F L I N T O I D
|
Please don't let the same thing happen to the Flint Public Library. Vote YES to the millage request on August 3rd.
Nine Genesee County District Libraries to see cuts in hours because of budget cuts
Published: Saturday, July 31, 2010, 2:00 AM
George Jaksa George Jaksa
GENESEE COUNTY, Michigan — Almost half of the county’s 20 libraries outside the city of Flint will have reduced hours beginning Aug. 16, as the Genesee District Library continues to cope with falling revenues and increased operational costs.
That comes in addition to cuts already in effect — including Friday closings at seven branches, eliminating Sunday hours for the summer at all but the Genesee Valley shopping center outlet and personnel cutbacks announced soon after the recession took its toll on operations.
In all, patrons will have 84 fewer hours of service each week at the affected libraries.
In announcing the changes, Carolyn Nash, District Library executive director, specifically cited the economic downturn, revenue shortfalls, state aid cuts and increased business costs.
“Due to the financial downturn, we are decreasing expenditures across the board and seeking creative methods to provide programs and services,” she said.
Libraries affected by the latest reductions include Burton Memorial, Clio, Davison, Flushing, Johnson Memorial in Genesee, Genesee Valley shopping center, Grand Blanc, Mt. Morris and the headquarters library in Flint Township.
Clio, Flushing, Johnson Memorial, headquarters, Grand Blanc and Mt. Morris will see eight-hour weekly reductions while they others will have 12 fewer hours of operation each week.
Spared at least for the time being are Jack R. Winegarden library and Children’s Center in Fenton and Gaines Library where earlier in the summer area residents appealed to the Genesee District Library Board for maintenance of current service hours.
Libraries at Clio, Davison, Grand Blanc and headquarters had Sunday hours until they were shut on Sunday between May 30 and Labor Day. Nash said effective Sept. 12 Davison and Grand Blanc will reopen 1-5 p.m. on Sunday while Genesee Valley, which has been open noon-6 p.m. on Sunday also will have 1-5 Sunday hours at that time. Sept. 12.
Nash said the Sunday hours are in response to expected heavier demand for services when school opens this fall.
She said cutbacks come as public demand for library services rises.
“Library usage has increased dramatically over the past two years as a result of financial difficulties throughout the nation,”
she said.
Libraries with new hours starting Aug. 16:
• Burton Memorial: Monday 9 a.m.-9 p.m., Tuesday and Thursday 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Wednesday noon-8 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
• Clio: Monday and Wednesday noon-8 p.m., Tuesday and Thursday 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
• Davison: Monday 9 a.m.-9 p.m., Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday noon-8 p.m., Friday and Saturday 9 a.m.-5 p.m. (Sunday 1-5 p.m. starting Sept. 12).
• Flushing: Monday and Wednesday 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Tuesday and Thursday noon-8 p.m. Saturday 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
• Johnson Memorial: Monday 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Tuesday and Thursday noon-8 p.m., Friday and Saturday 9 a.m.- 5 p.m.
• Genesee Valley: Monday and Tuesday 10 a.m.-9 p.m., Wednesday and Thursday 11 a.m.-7 p.m., Friday and Saturday 10 a.m.-6 p.m. (Sunday 1-5 p.m. effective Sept. 12).
• Headquarters: Monday and Tuesday 9 a.m.-9 p.m., Wednesday and Thursday noon-8 p.m., Friday and Saturday 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
• Grand Blanc: Monday and Tuesday 9 a.m.- 9 p.m., Wednesday and Thursday noon-8 p.m., Friday and Saturday 9 a.m.-5 p.m. (Sunday 1-5 p.m. effective Sept. 12).
• Mt. Morris: Monday 10 a.m.-6 p m., Tuesday and Wednesday noon-8 p.m. Friday and Saturday 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
© 2010 MLive.com. All rights reserved.
Source: http://www.mlive.com/news/flint/index.ssf/2010/07/nine_genesee_county_district_l.html |
|
|
|
Sat Jul 31, 2010 3:35 pm |
|
|
Jtoyou
F L I N T O I D
|
Very Informative. Thank You!
YES we all can benefit from a better Public Library
Download your favorite books with the powerful Library card! |
|
|
|
Sun Aug 01, 2010 7:48 pm |
|
|
|
FAQ
Search
Memberlist
Register
Profile
FlintTalk.com Forum Index
> Political Talk
