Randa Shaheen loves to attend programs at Stark Library with her 2-year-old daughter Lena. They go to nearly every story time at the Perry Sippo Branch. They also participate in the library's one-on-one School Readiness Program for kids younger than 5 that gives parents resources and strategies to help their kids learn at home.
"It truly mimics a classroom-type learning environment, but obviously a lot more fun because they're at the library," Shaheen said. "It's like a little preview, for children and for parents. "And Shaheen said Lena loves it. "She's up front and center," she said. "Lena is always so attentive to it, and then she'll come home and sing the same song or do the same dances the rest of the day." Shaheen said she also utilizes resources at the library for adults. She's currently studying for her doctorate in education, and she said she often uses the private study rooms to get work done. "For every role and every age, there's a program or resource," she said. "And it's so easily accessible." But library officials said some programming soon could be cut if voters don't support the Stark Library operating levy on the November ballot.
Stark Library requests levy to support current expenses
The library district is asking voters to support a 2-mill renewal and 0.3-mill increase levy, which would last eight years. Library officials said the levy is needed to maintain the same level of service amidst rising expenses and reduced state funding. The library's current, eight-year, 2-mill levy was approved in 2019 and will expire in 2027. If approved, the 2-mill renewal and 0.3-mill increase would cost homeowners $55 for every $100,000 of their property's assessed value, which is an $11 annual increase compared to the current levy. The new levy would generate nearly $15 million per year, which is an increase of about $2.7 million from the current levy.
Stark Library CEO and Executive Director Mary Ellen Icaza said in an email that costs for materials, security services, property insurance and vehicle repairs have recently increased. State funding for Stark Library also was reduced by $350,000 per year after library funding was changed to a line-item appropriation in the state budget last year. Levy funds will go toward operational costs, Icaza said. "The operating levy ensures we can provide services our community already uses in all locations across our service area as costs continue to rise, and our state funding is reduced," she said. If the levy does not pass, the library likely will need to reduce hours and will offer fewer programs, services and materials.
Elise Peck, a frequent library user, goes to the East Canton Branch with her 5-year-old son Matthew. "He just always wants to go to the library," Peck said. "I always tell people, you need to use the library more." Peck said the library School Readiness Program helped Matthew get a head start on learning. "By the time he was 4, I had adults come up to me going, 'He is so articulate for his age,'" she said. "I'm thinking, 'That's not just me. That's the library program.'" Peck said the levy is worth supporting to preserve access to resources and programs. "In all honesty, I am not usually one for levies because, living in Paris (Township), our property taxes are already quite high, but this is so important," she said. "The library needs this levy to continue all of the programs that help so many kids. And it's not just for kids; they really have something for all ages."
The library system currently is building a new Main Library in downtown Canton. It's a $54 million project, including construction and architectural design. Library officials said levy funds will not be used for the construction project, which is funded from other sources.
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