You passed the library’s 1.9 mill operating levy by over 58% on Tuesday. This new levy, which begins collection in 2009, will generate $2.3 million per year if collections are at 100%. Unfortunately, the sub-prime mortgage crisis and foreclosures have a significant impact on property taxes. This year, it is estimated that those collections will be down to 93%.

Library funding is the same for 2008 as it was in 2002. During that same time period, expenses continued to rise.

As it is, the new operating levy income will not allow any frills or any new services. It does not represent icing on the cake, only the cake itself.

Happily with its passage, we can continue to provide the books our customers wish to read, the movies they wish to watch, the music they wish to hear, the programming they, and their children, have come to enjoy. We are delighted to be able to continue to provide this wonderful service, through our four buildings, 237.5 hours every week.

We take this opportunity to thank all those who voted for the library’s new operating levy but we value all our customers, regardless of how you voted. And, we look forward to providing all our customers with the same excellent and friendly service you’ve come to expect.

Steve Wood is director of the Cleveland Heights-University Heights Library.