I was asked by agathafrye why I don't use the library.  This was in response to my ask that someone respond to Mr. Bragg's letter.

I don't use the library because I really have no desire or need to do so.  Yes, I read books.  But, most of the books I read come from a community of friends, co-workers, and family members.  I'm not much of a movie guy so I rarely rent movies.  I just wait for them to land on TV or go to the theater.

I don't have a big problem with $34-$48 a year going to the library system.  Just want some answers to the questions and concerns raised by another fellow Olympian.  I do believe Nichols and the rest of the trustees should pick a number and stick with it.  Develop the budget now.  Saying it is unlikely to reach the maximum allowed doesn't sit well.

parks and sports facilities, think of the library as recreation for the mind.

Exactly how much is this all worth? Some folks have done their best to calculate it.

First off, thanks for responding to my question. I'm always curious to hear reasons people have for not using the library, because they often reveal opportunities for outreach. I could sell you on some of the other services that the library has beyond books and dvd's, but we'll save that for another time. :)

As far as addressing Mr. Bragg's issues in the Olympian, it seems to me that he has two main issues: one involves the transparency of the library board and the information one can glean from the decision to try for a levy lid lift, and the other concerns TRL's request for "up to a 51 percent increase in library property taxes." Regarding the first issue about the board meetings, I'd echo Emmett's comments about video, and add the fact that all of the board meetings are open to the public. The minutes are also posted on the TRL website: http://www.trlib.org/board-minutes.htm. Additionally, anyone can contact a board member directly- their contact information is on the website for anyone who's motivated. I don't know how much more transparent the meetings can be without buying expensive video equipment, which in my opinion would be a misuse of funds. An additional point about Mr. Bragg is that he was a former member of the Timberland Board. I would propose that he might not be the most impartial individual with regards to library business.

Regarding the second issue of TRL asking for an "up to 51% increase," I would say first that this is a gross inflation of the actual amount of money that the library is requesting. For 2009, if the levy doesn't pass, Timberland will be receiving just under $.33 per thousand dollars of property valuation. The levy request would restore Timberland's ability to charge UP TO $.50 maximum per thousand dollars. The board doesn't plan to charge more than what is needed to maintain the current level of service, which will be roughly 4-6 additional cents per thousand dollars assessed value, and not the whole 50 cents. The math obviously doesn't add up to 51%.

Timberland's finances were additionally stretched by an initiative some years back to cap the property tax rate to 1% annually. This cap affected many public services including the library, which had been operating off of a budget reserve that will be gone by 2010 if the levy doesn't pass. TRL has already slashed the materials budget, closed all branches on Sundays, and frozen hiring to anticipate the end of any reserves in the budget. In the meantime, our usage has gone up astronomically. For example, the Olympia library had 2400 visitors on a Tuesday last July. Our visitors currently average between 1100-1400 visitors per day.

Even if you don't use the library yourself, take a moment to think about all of the people in your community who benefit from this rich resource. I hope I've answered your questions satisfactorily, and let me know if you have any more. Anyone who wants to read more about the levy can refer to the fact sheet on the front page of the TRL website- www.trlib.org.

I love the library as do my children.  We use it a LOT!  I have been making sure that people are aware that there is a vote coming up and to please vote yes! 

Music is the mediator between the spiritual and the sensual life. ~Ludwig van Beethoven