Pass library millage

From Mary Ann Barkach, president, League of Women Voters Oakland Area:

The League of Women Voters Oakland Area has long recognized the importance of libraries in the life of our communities. The dissemination of information and leisure-reading materials is a benefit to residents and savings for those living on a tight budget. Libraries provide citizens with access to computers and Internet services, services that are valuable not just for students doing homework, but also for residents searching for jobs or information on benefits. Libraries nurture a love of reading in children. Seniors often enjoy libraries as a pleasant place to read in the company of others. Further, a library is a community center for lectures, cultural events, workshops and children’s programs.

The Waterford Township Library has a 0.9118 operating millage which represents 91 percent of the library’s operating millage. This millage needs to be renewed (on Tuesday, Aug. 7), and its passage is vital to maintaining current library services. Revenues generated by the millage have been dropping since 2008, and the library already has cut costs dramatically. This is not a new cost, but will keep the millage at its current rate. The League of Women Voters of Oakland County strongly urges its passage.