Hard to reconcile
A recent headline in the DRC, “Library fund limited,” is very disturbing. The decrease in funding for county libraries from more than $500,000 in 2012 to about $340,000 proposed is very disheartening. This is penny wise and pound foolish.
Denton County is a growing, thriving community. Libraries provide the access and opportunity for residents in rural settings to seek knowledge and recreation. For a county that is noted for its education facilities, this is hard to reconcile.
Denton County appraisal values are in excess of $67.5 billion. This is more than a $10 billion increase over the prior appraisals. The proposed county budget is in excess of $238 million, a $14.8 million increase.
Good libraries provide Internet access and enhancement of learning to improve citizens’ ability to be more productive. Many townships and cities have their own libraries. Most allow their residents free access to their libraries. Non-residents may be charged a fee.
Libraries of many small cities are limited. Larger cities in the county such as Denton and Lewisville have larger holdings that provide more opportunities.
The county has an obligation to give all residents access to learning facilities. The county should only give support to those libraries that give all residents of the county free access.
One-tenth of an one-cent tax increase provides more than $600,000 in additional revenue to the county.
Increasing the library budget to more than $500,000 is not a large expense but a needed investment in the future.
Bill Giese,
Denton
