Multnomah County - Measure 26-125

BALLOT TITLE

LOCAL LIBRARY FUNDING: CONTINUES LOCAL OPTION LEVY AT CURRENT RATE

QUESTION: Shall county maintain open libraries, programs, services; renew levy of $0.89 per $1,000 assessed value for three years beginning 2012?

This measure renews current local option taxes.

SUMMARY: Multnomah County libraries serve every neighborhood across the county with 18 local branches and Central Library. Two thirds of library funding comes from a voter-approved levy. Renewal of the current levy will keep libraries open and maintain a majority of hours and services. If not renewed, most libraries will close, others will be open fewer hours, and library services will be greatly reduced. Renewing the library levy will: Continue programs such as: story hours for babies and toddlers, after-school homework help for school students; summer reading, programs for teens and more; Help teachers and students use library resources; provide homework helpers to assist children with school work. Update books and materials; maintain free access to information; Continue book delivery to homebound senior citizens and retirement home residents. Fund hours and services at Central and neighborhood libraries. This levy does not raise property taxes. It continues the same rate of the previous library levy approved by voters. Estimated cost for the typical household will remain about $13 per month for three years. The levy raises approximately $32.6 million in 2012-13; $34.5 million in 2013-14; $36.5 million in 2014-15. The estimated tax cost for this measure is an ESTIMATE ONLY based on the best information available from the county assessor at the time of estimate.

EXPLANATORY STATEMENT

Multnomah County Library serves the community through the Central Library and these 18 branches:

  • Albina Library
  • Kenton Library
  • Belmont Library
  • Midland Library
  • Capitol Hill Library
  • North Portland Library
  • Fairview/Columbia Library
  • Northwest Library
  • Gregory Heights Library
  • Rockwood Library
  • Gresham Library
  • Sellwood-Moreland Library
  • Hillsdale Library
  • St. Johns Library
  • Holgate Library
  • Troutdale Library
  • Hollywood Library
  • Woodstock Library  

Facts about the local libraries:

  • Each day over 35,000 people visit the 19 libraries, in-person and online.
  • An average of 32.8 books are checked out every year for every man, woman, and child in the county.
  • Library staff answers over 800,000 reference questions a year.
  • 98,000 kids participated in the Library’s Summer Reading program in 2011, including over half of the county’s elementary school children.
  • Library outreach programs to schools make 120,000 contacts with students and teachers during the school year.
  • Nearly 300,000 people attend library programs and events for children and teens each year.
  • The library provides 24/7 online access to information, learning resources and the library catalog.

RESULT OF A ‘YES’ VOTE ON Measure 26-125

Measure 26-125 renews the library levy at the current rate: That means it will not increase taxes currently being paid for libraries by Multnomah County residents. The levy will provide the majority of funds for libraries including hours of service, programs and reading materials.

Library Services Include:

  • Programs for young and school-aged children – story hours for babies and toddlers, homework help for students, summer reading and more;
  • All branches and Central Library open at least six days a week;
  • Assistance to senior citizens including computer classes and book delivery for those who are homebound;
  • Programs and resources for jobseekers, small business owners, and English language learners;
  • New books, magazines and other library materials.

RESULT OF A ‘NO’ VOTE

The library receives over 60% of its funding from the current voter-approved levy. If the library levy is not renewed, library services – including those for senior citizens, youth and children - will be greatly reduced: Most libraries will close, others will be open fewer hours and fewer books will be purchased.

Cost
The library levy continues the current property tax of $.89 per $1,000 assessed property value. It is not a tax increase. According to the County Department of Assessment and Taxation, the typical single family home would continue to pay about $13.24 a month for this library levy.

Submitted by:

Board of County Commissioners
Multnomah County

No arguments AGAINST this measure were filed.

ARGUMENT IN FAVOR

VOTE YES ON 26-125 Levy Renewal

We Need Our Libraries Now More Than Ever!

YES Because Passing This Levy Will Ensure That All Neighborhood Library Branches Remain Open.

The Library Levy is how we fund our libraries. If this levy does not pass, neighborhood library branches could close, library hours could be reduced, and critical community programs could be cut. In these uncertain times, we need to protect these vital resources for everyone.

YES Because the Library Provides Important Resources to Help Families and Children Succeed.

With the high cost of raising kids, the library is an important resource for young and low-income families, providing free access to modern and efficient libraries filled with children’s books and activities.

  • Research shows early reading for children is important for success in school. Our libraries provide reading programs for more than 280,000 children and parents each year, including outreach to families at risk for low literacy.
  • Our libraries offer children a safe after-school environment to get free help with their homework while their parents are still at work.
  • The Summer Reading program is one of the best ways to ensure kids are reading at grade level when they return to school in the fall. The program reached over 98,000 children last year.

YES to Fund Important Programs for Seniors.

Our home delivery service brings over 200,000 books to homebound seniors and residents of retirement and adult care centers. There are also computer classes and large print books to help seniors get the most from our library.

YES Because the Library Provides Needed Services in These Tough Economic Times.

The library is one of the few places job seekers can go to search for work, providing job search help, online application support, and resume and interviewing assistance.

This Levy Is a Renewal, Not a Tax Increase.

Passing this measure will not increase your taxes. It simply renews the existing levy at the current rate.

(This information furnished by Paige Richardson, Libraries Yes!)

The printing of this argument does no constitute an endorsement by Multnomah County, nor does the county warrant the accuracy or truth of any statements made in the argument.

ARGUMENT IN FAVOR

Local Schoolteachers Support Library Measure 26-125

Our public libraries support the work of teachers and help our students succeed.

That’s why Portland Association of Teachers endorses this measure.

A child’s interest in reading, and learning, is key to their success in school and later in their work life. Unfortunately, not every child has access to books, research tools or a computer at home.

All of these resources, and friendly help from librarians and library volunteers, are available to every student in our community at Multnomah County Library.

Our neighborhood libraries play a vital role in the success of students, helping to foster a love of learning that extends beyond the school year.

Today, many public schools do not have well stocked libraries or librarians to help kids find the information they need. Multnomah County Library is hard at work making certain that teachers and students have access to the books and information they need. Multnomah County Librarians answer questions, help students with their homework, provide support for research projects, and direct children to new sources of exploration.

Our public libraries also prepare young children for starting school by offering books, storytimes and other free programs for families. Parents get the support they need to set their children up for success.

We believe that every child should have access to books and the educational resources they need to succeed in school and beyond. Multnomah County Library works closely with teachers to help every child become a confident reader and a successful student.

Please join us in supporting Measure 26-125. By securing our library’s future, we’re securing the future of our children and our community as well.

  • Sharon Weir
  • Barbara Goldberg
  • Bradi Burns
  • Dana Sacks
  • Eric Schrepel
  • Geoffrey Stuckart
  • Gina Bousley
  • Jasmine Rimmel
  • Julia W. Cain
  • Mary V. Folberg
  • Nancy Sullivan
  • Rochella Farnand

(This information furnished by Paige Richardson, Libraries Yes!)

The printing of this argument does no constitute an endorsement by Multnomah County, nor does the county warrant the accuracy or truth of any statements made in the argument.

ARGUMENT IN FAVOR

Now More Than Ever, Seniors Need Our Libraries
VOTE YES ON 26-125 Levy Renewal

Libraries are one of our community’s most valuable and treasured resources, providing resources for children, families and seniors alike. In tough economic times like these, people turn to libraries more than ever.

Libraries Help Retirees and Seniors

We use the library for our daily news, to visit with neighbors, for free internet access, and to stay connected to loved ones far away. Our libraries give us free access to movies, music and books that enrich our lives.

Educational programs help retirees and seniors learn how to use computers and technology to help navigate an increasingly digital world, with help on how to use computers to access public transportation, communicate with medical professionals and pharmacies, and avoid identity theft.

Libraries even reach out to those who are homebound and in nursing homes - delivering 200,000 books a year for those with physical challenges.

Now Libraries Need Our Help

Without voter approval of this levy renewal Multnomah County Library will lose 65% of it’s funding. Most local neighborhood libraries will have to close, and programs and services will be greatly reduced.

This is NOT A TAX Increase

Measure 26-125 is a levy renewal that will continue the current rate for another 3 years so that we can keep all our neighborhood branches open and maintain the services we have come to rely on.

Vote Yes on 26-125
Vote Yes for Libraries

  • Dr. Ann Weikel
  • Betty Fry
  • Bonnie Garrett
  • Bromleigh Lamb
  • Ellen Raboev
  • Jerry Shifman
  • Judith Buffo
  • Lee Garrett
  • Mary Ellen Somerville
  • Mary Louise Lamb
  • Muriel Lezak
  • Richard N. Cowell
  • Richard Thomas
  • Robert Karr
  • Roberta Loukes
  • Rosemary Karr
  • Ruth Tyler
  • Sharon Whitney
  • Wayne Fry
  • Lee T. Thomas
  • Margaret Krausse
  • Hillary Russell
  • Sister Mary
  • Patricia Nagle

(This information furnished by Paige Richardson, Libraries Yes!)

The printing of this argument does no constitute an endorsement by Multnomah County, nor does the county warrant the accuracy or truth of any statements made in the argument.

ARGUMENT IN FAVOR

Good Libraries are Good Business
Vote Yes on 26-125 to Renew our Library Levy

Businesses in Multnomah County know that libraries are an integral part of the fabric of our community and that healthy, vibrant libraries contribute to a healthy, vibrant economy.

Efficient Use of Our Tax Dollars
In addition to being a critical public resource, the Multnomah County Library system is one the most efficient, well-run library systems in the nation.

Did you know that over 35,000 people use our libraries every day and that on an average day they circulate over 60,000 items?

Usage has gone up by one-third in the last few years. Multnomah County Library has met that increased service need without raising taxes by becoming more and more efficient and streamlined.

Accountability Built In
Multnomah County Library has accountability measures such as annual audits that ensure levy dollars intended for the library are not diverted to other projects.

Critical Services People Need To Compete in Tough Times
Multnomah County Library provides over 1,800 computer labs and classes to 16,000 people each year to teach them new marketable skills, help them update their resumes, write a business plan, and more.

Best Value for Your Tax Dollar
Our public library is the best value for your tax dollar hands down. The latest information and technology is available, free to all, and with research assistance when you need help.

A Yes Vote Will Keep Our Libraries Open & Will NOT Increase Your Taxes
We strongly encourage you to VOTE YES on 26-125. The library gets 65% of its funding from the levy. A Yes vote renews the levy at the current rate and will keep all neighborhood branches open without raising your taxes.

Tom Kelly, Neil Kelly Remodeling

Bill Dickey, Morel Ink

Mike Roach, Paloma Clothing

Kim Osgood, Paloma Clothing

Brian Wilson, Kalberer Company

Collin Ivy, Monkus Studios

Susan Bashel, Pastini Pastaria

(This information furnished by Paige Richardson, Libraries Yes!)

The printing of this argument does no constitute an endorsement by Multnomah County, nor does the county warrant the accuracy or truth of any statements made in the argument.

ARGUMENT IN FAVOR

Multnomah County Libraries Help Make Our Communities Safer by Helping Kids Succeed In School 

Our Libraries Give Children the Head Start They Need
Research has shown that early reading is critical to children’s success in school. Our libraries provide reading programs for more than 280,000 children and parents each year.

Reaching At-Risk Youth
Our libraries have special programs for families and children most at risk. Studies have proven that early intervention and services for at-risk youth are effective ways to keep them out of trouble and in school where they can get a real chance to succeed in life.

Providing Homework Help 24/7
Studies show that the hours after school are when kids are most likely to get into trouble if they don’t have something constructive to do. Multnomah County libraries offer children a safe after-school environment to get free help with homework while parents are still at work. Plus they have a 24/7 texting service to get homework help after hours.

Keeps Kids Reading All Year
The Summer Reading program is a proven way to keep kids reading at grade level when they return to school in the fall. The program reached over 98,000 children last year.

Helping Families Succeed In Tough Times
Libraries are an important resource for young and low-income families. Given the high cost of raising kids these days, having free access to a modern and efficient library filled with children’s books and activities is critical to trying to make ends meet.

Our Libraries Help Keep Kids Safe and Support Our Communities, Please Join Us in Supporting Our Libraries

Dan Staton, Multnomah County Sheriff
Michael Schrunk, District Attorney

(This information furnished by Paige Richardson, Libraries Yes!)

The printing of this argument does no constitute an endorsement by Multnomah County, nor does the county warrant the accuracy or truth of any statements made in the argument.

ARGUMENT IN FAVOR

Librarians urge you to join us in voting YES to protect library services.

We are retired Multnomah County librarians, and we know first hand that libraries change lives. Whether it’s reading programs for children and families, home book deliveries for the elderly and disabled, or help for entrepreneurs starting their dream business, our libraries serve everyone in our community.

The Library Provides Important Resources for Children and Families.
Over 75% of elementary students participated in Summer Reading last summer. More than 200,000 children and parents participated in library programs last year.

The Library Reaches Out to Seniors.
The library provides home deliveries of over 200,000 books to homebound seniors each year.

The Library Helps People Find Jobs.
The library is one of the few places where people can get help looking for work—providing job search education, online application assistance, and resume and interviewing help.

The Library is Fiscally Responsible.
This levy has built-in accountability measures so you know that your tax dollars are being spent as promised—with annual reviews to make sure that all the monies go to libraries and don’t get diverted to other projects.

This Levy Is a Renewal, Not a Tax Increase.
Passing this measure will NOT increase your taxes, it simply renews the existing levy at the current rate for another 3 years.

Without This Levy, We’ll Lose 65% of Funding for Library Services—Meaning Big Cuts.
Without public support of this levy, libraries cannot provide you with the vital library services so many rely on.

We Need our Libraries.

Please vote YES to maintain library hours, ensure neighborhood libraries remain open, and preserve important resources for the children, families and seniors of Multnomah County.

Ann Van Fleet

Arlys Fones

Candy Bertelson

Carol Burns

Carolyn Myers

Faye Powell

Juidith Maxwell

Sami Scripter

Patricia L.Kahler

Reva Basch

Virginia Tribe

Mary E. Goldie

Barbara Rhyne

Sami Scripter

Marci Davis

Donna Lee

Candace Morgan

(This information furnished by Paige Richardson, Libraries Yes!)

The printing of this argument does no constitute an endorsement by Multnomah County, nor does the county warrant the accuracy or truth of any statements made in the argument.

ARGUMENT IN FAVOR

We Are On the Path to Success Because of Our Libraries

Students need help on the road to graduation. Multnomah County Library provides pathways to learning for thousands of students in our community. From before we start the first day of school to the end of senior year, we know from personal experience that our library makes a difference for students.

Homework helpStudents have free access to homework help 24 hours a day! From home, students can chat online with a librarian, access library databases, and ask for specific help with difficult research projects. During library hours students can also call, email or visit with a librarian in person.

Reading is coolThe library helps young readers find engaging books, fostering a love of reading and learning. Book lists compiled by the library pique the curiosity of students and are available for every level of reader.

Special help for schools that need it most. The library’s BOOKS 2 U program sends librarians and reading experts to schools in our county that are most in need of assistance.

Extra support for struggling readers. The library offers classroom reading programs featuring author visits and popular books, to spark kids’ interest in reading so they get the practice they need.

After-school support for teens. After school “lounges” and homework centers give teens a chance to study, use computers, get help from library staff and socialize with other teens in a safe environment.

Students in Multnomah County depend on our libraries. Please help us ensure that more students like us have a shot at a college education because the library helps them build the skills to succeed.

Vote Yes on Measure 26-125

Adam Bloomfield

Brian Vargo

Dave Wallace

Hamda Jama

Jacob Voegele

John Helmka

Kaitlyn Alaui

Katie Brewer

Kuanying Wu

Lauren Krueger

Maia Zampini

Matthew Kea

Michelle Abad

Nicole Meldgaard

Qananr Kalel

Sophie Horton

Smubmam Chopra

Stacey Nixon

Travis Bailey

Allan Van Vliet

Geneva Hooten

(This information furnished by Paige Richardson, Libraries Yes!)

The printing of this argument does no constitute an endorsement by Multnomah County, nor does the county warrant the accuracy or truth of any statements made in the argument.

ARGUMENT IN FAVOR

The entrance to each library in our city is the gate to our future—where the parade of our children, citizens, and elders flows toward the happiest, wisest, most confident community we can be. To close that door is to shut this future.

Kim Stafford

Many of us, even those of us who regularly use the library, and love it, are inclined to take it for granted--something that is just there when we need it. Even library-lovers may need to be reminded: "The way to love anything is to realize that it might be lost." (G.K. Chesterton)

Molly Gloss

Our Library needs money to keep its doors open.

To close the doors of a library is to ban every book in that library. Every hour a library has to stay closed for lack of funds cheats the community out of information, entertainment, art, and knowledge. Every book a library can’t buy for lack of funds is a book locked away from the people who need it.

Knowledge is power. To live as free people, we must have open access to knowledge.

The public library and the public school are the only institutions we have left that offer all available knowledge -- free -- to all.

So this is not just another levy. It’s not just the welfare of our well-beloved Multnomah County library at stake. It’s a decision about who controls information -- who owns the knowledge. Offering all citizens full access to books and the Internet, the Library lets the people own the knowledge.

And it’s the best bargain you can find: a few dollars a year for knowledge, freedom, pleasure, and enjoyment -- for kids, for seniors, for us all.

Keep the Library doors open!

Ursula K. Le Guin

(This information furnished by Paige Richardson, Libraries Yes!)

The printing of this argument does no constitute an endorsement by Multnomah County, nor does the county warrant the accuracy or truth of any statements made in the argument.

ARGUMENT IN FAVOR

I’m a mother and grandmother who understand personally all that Multnomah County Library does to help people look for a job in this tough climate.

After five years without a job, I turned to Multnomah County Library. The librarians at my neighborhood branch guided me through my job search, giving me advice, access to computers and the internet, classes at the library and databases that I would not have found on my own.

Today, I have a great job at a care facility for seniors. I got it because of the library’s help.

I relied on the staff and volunteers at my neighborhood library from the very beginning of my search. I used the computers and took workshops. The staff coached me with concrete advice. Each person I worked with gave me the support and encouragement that I needed on my most discouraging days.

The library helps thousands of people like me every day. I cannot imagine my life without our library.

That’s why I’m supporting Measure 26-125. It will keep library doors open and ensure that people like me get the help and support they need in these difficult times.

I hope you’ll join me in supporting our library.

Vote Yes on Measure 26-125.

Amy Mamdouh

(This information furnished by Paige Richardson, Libraries Yes!)

The printing of this argument does no constitute an endorsement by Multnomah County, nor does the county warrant the accuracy or truth of any statements made in the argument.

ARGUMENT IN FAVOR

Multnomah County Library Strengthens Our Community.

Vote YES on Measure 26-125

Multnomah County Library is an essential part of our county’s health and well-being. More than 35,000 people turn to our library every day. Measure 26-125 will renew our library’s operating levy, ensuring that:

  • Children Get the Start They Need
    Our libraries provided reading programs for more than 280,000 children and parents last year. They offer a safe environment where kids can get help with homework after school. The library’s Summer Reading program reaches nearly 100,000 children across our community, helping students succeed in school.
  • Help Families Navigate Through Tough Times
    Libraries are an important resource for children and parents. Having free access to a modern and efficient library filled with children’s books and activities is critical for families trying to make ends meet.
  • ·Seniors Stay Connected and Safe
    Our libraries deliver more than 200,000 books a year to those who can’t get to the library. Educational programs help seniors engage in arts and culture, learn about their health and manage their finances. In our increasingly digital world, the library helps retirees learn about the Internet, avoid the risks of identity theft and manage their bills safely.
  • Job Seekers Get the Help They Need
    The library is one of the few places where those who are without work can get help. Library staff and volunteers provide job search education, online application assistance, and help with resume writing and interviewing.
  • Local Businesses Succeed
    Libraries are an important partner in our community. They’re crucial to building healthy, vibrant neighborhoods and helping businesses thrive.

Without voter approval of this measure, Multnomah County Library will lose 65% of its funding. Most neighborhood libraries will close and hours will be reduced.

Please Vote YES on Measure 26-125

Jeff Cogen, Chair, Board of County Commissioners

Deborah Kafoury, Commissioner, District 1

Loretta Smith, Commissioner, District 2

Judy Shiprack, Commissioner, District 3

Diane McKeel, Commissioner, District 4

(This information furnished by Paige Richardson, Libraries Yes!)

The printing of this argument does no constitute an endorsement by Multnomah County, nor does the county warrant the accuracy or truth of any statements made in the argument.

ARGUMENT IN FAVOR

Library Advisors Ask You to Join Us in Supporting Measure 26-125

We are business people, teachers, workers, students, and retirees who have served as volunteer advisors on Multnomah County Library’s citizen advisory board.

We come from North Portland, Troutdale, Gresham, Midland, Woodstock, Hillsdale, and everywhere in between.

Multnomah County Library is not only a valuable and well-used public resource, it is an award-winning library that is nationally recognized for its excellence.

We volunteer our time, as citizen advisors, to keep our library strong.

We know that the library’s programs for children, homebound seniors, job-seekers and its tremendous collection of books are well-used and well-loved throughout the county.

Multnomah County Library has proven itself to be essential to families in this community during this difficult economic time. It is a shared community asset that we treasure and work to preserve.

Without voter approval of this levy, our library will lose at least 65% of its current funding. Most neighborhood library branches will be forced to close, hours will be slashed and critical programs cut.

Measure 26-125 will protect and maintain our libraries without raising taxes.

  • Measure 26-125 is a renewal of the current operating levy that funds our libraries.
  • This renewal will not increase taxes but it will ensure that our neighborhood branches remain open.
  • Voting yes will protect critical programs and services for children, families, and seniors.

We urge you to approve this ballot measure and join us in supporting Multnomah County Library.

Alice Meyer

Dean Grisvold

Don Barney

Gwen Farnham

Karen Hinsdale

Susan Hathaway-Marxer

Terry McCall

Craig Cedros

William L. Failing, Jr

(This information furnished by Paige Richardson, Libraries Yes!)

The printing of this argument does no constitute an endorsement by Multnomah County, nor does the county warrant the accuracy or truth of any statements made in the argument.

ARGUMENT IN FAVOR

Multnomah County Library by the Numbers

2,000,000– the number of books and other items available to you in Multnomah County Library’s catalogue.

23,946,498– the number of times books and other materials were circulated by our library last year.

5,516,860– the number of people who came to a library branch in person last year.

7,158,805– the number of people who visited the library through the website.

436,949– the number of cardholders in the Multnomah County Library system in 2011.

325,171– the number of people who attended library programs last year, like toddler storytime, Summer Reading, and computer classes.

280,000– the number of children and parents who participated in programs for children and families.

9,131– the number of senior citizens and at-risk parents that learned how to manage their finances and prevent fraud through classes at the library last year.

826,444– the number of reference questions answered by Multnomah County Librarians.

1,065,753– the number of computer sessions used by visitors to the library’s 19 branches

32,000– the number of items moved around the Multnomah County Library system every day – equivalent to the entire collection of the Fairview branch.

98,084– the number of children who signed up for the Summer Reading program last year.

70,286– the number of hours volunteers worked in our libraries in 2011.

17,744- the number of people who attended the library’s free computer labs and classes last year.

36,450- the number of at-risk children and parents that participated in the Raising A Reader program last year.

202,499– the number of books delivered to seniors and homebound individuals in 2011

0– the amount of the tax increase to fund this levy renewal and all the services listed above.

Vote Yes for Libraries, Vote Yes on Measure 26-125

(This information furnished by Paige Richardson, Libraries Yes!)

The printing of this argument does no constitute an endorsement by Multnomah County, nor does the county warrant the accuracy or truth of any statements made in the argument.

ARGUMENT IN FAVOR

A Message from the Friends of the Library

Well Loved. Well Used.
The Library is an incredible value.

As Friends of the Library, we are in the libraries every day. We have first-hand knowledge of what a great value our libraries are and how much they mean to our community.

We like to think we're one of the reasons libraries are a good deal: among the Friends of the Library, the Library Advisory Board, The Library Foundation and volunteers, there are nearly 2,000 of us helping out every year making every library dollar go further. Last year volunteers logged over 70,000 hours, the equivalent of 35 full-time employees.

And your tax dollars do go far:

  • Over 35,000 people use the libraries every day.
  • Our Multnomah County Libraries have the 2nd highest total circulation in the country (that's right, higher circulation than Los Angeles, Chicago, Boston, everyone but New York City). We think that says something wonderful about our community.
  • And like a responsible household, the Library spends the funding it receives wisely: we have the 2nd lowest cost per circulation nationally for libraries our size.

Measure 26-125 is the only way to keep all these great things going.

The Library Levy is the way we fund our libraries; the levy provides 65% of the libraries' funding and if it’s not renewed, branches will close, hours will be reduced and programs will be cut.

We work hard as volunteers, but there is certainly no way we could make up a 65% budget cut!

Libraries are a great investment, and our local Multnomah County Libraries are the greatest.

Measure 26-125 Won’t Raise Your Taxes

This measure renews our current levy at the same rate. It will allow us to keep all neighborhood branches open with the programs and services we have all come to count on.

Let's keep a great thing going:
Vote YES for Our Libraries!

The Friends of the Multnomah County Library

(This information furnished by Craig Cedros, The Friends of the Multnomah County Library}

The printing of this argument does no constitute an endorsement by Multnomah County, nor does the county warrant the accuracy or truth of any statements made in the argument.

ARGUMENT IN FAVOR

We Need to Support Our Library
The Way It Supports Our Families.

Do you remember your first trip to the library? As parents, many of our most meaningful experiences with our children have taken place at our neighborhood libraries.

Voting YES on Measure 26-125 will keep our libraries open and maintain valuable services for children.

Our Library Gives Children the Head Start They Need. Research shows that a child’s early exposure to books and reading can shape success in school. Our library provides reading programs for more than 280,000 children and parents each year.

Our Library Helps Families In Tough Times. Given the high cost of raising kids these days, having free access to a modern and efficient library filled with thousands of children’s books and activities helps many families make ends meet.

Our Library Provides a Safe, Nurturing Environment for Kids.The library provides kids with a safe and structured after-school environment, where they can get free help with their homework while parents are still at work.

Our Library Keeps Kids Reading All Year.Summer Reading is one of the best ways to keep kids reading at grade level so they return to school in the fall ready to excel in school. This program reached over 98,000 children last summer.

75% of Portland Public School elementary children participated in the library’s Summer Reading program last year. Please help us make sure our kids continue to get this kind of critical educational support.

Keep Our Libraries Open
Vote Yes on Measure 26-125

Amy Edwards

Arie Pellikaan

Bob Hicks

Clark Swinford

Dana Sullivan

Davide Molaro

Elizabeth Malsin

Glen Gilbert

James Johnson, MD

Jeff Kisselhoff

Jeremy Sacks

John Knox

Jonathan Lindgren, MD

Justin Hirsch

Ken Brebner

Kori Allen

Laura Grimes

Lori Kovacevik

Mara Collins

Meg Ruby

Neisha Saxena

Oona Baker

Penny Serrurier

Peter Bragdon

Richelle T. Luther

Sarah A. Gilbert

Steve Beattie

Stuart Allen

Sue Sanders

Suzanne Lassen

Tamara King

Yuval Zalkow

Camellia Nieh

Danielle Taylor

(This information furnished by Paige Richardson, Libraries Yes!)

The printing of this argument does no constitute an endorsement by Multnomah County, nor does the county warrant the accuracy or truth of any statements made in the argument.

ARGUMENT IN FAVOR

We are the people who make the library work.
Please join us in voting YES to protect library services.

Together, We Can Protect Important Resources for Children and Families
Research has shown that children’s early reading is key to their later success in school. Our libraries provide reading programs for more than 280,000 children and parents each year, including special outreach for families most at risk for low literacy.

We Need to Maintain Programs for Seniors
The library provides home delivery of over 200,000 books and materials to homebound seniors each year.

We Need the Library to Help People Get Jobs
The library is one of the few places laid-off and unemployed people can go to search for work—providing job search education, online application assistance, and resume and interviewing help.

You Can Hold Us Accountable for the Funds Libraries Receive
This levy has built-in accountability measures so you know it’s being spent as promised—with annual reviews and a requirement that every penny is spent on library services.

This Levy Is a Renewal, Not a Tax Increase
Passing this measure will NOT increase your taxes, it simply renews the existing levy at the current rate.

Without This Levy to Fund Library Services, We’ll Lose 65% of Funding—Meaning Big Cuts
Without this levy, we can’t do our job of providing you with the vital library services so many rely on.

We Need Our Libraries Now More Than Ever!
Please vote YES to maintain library hours, ensure neighborhood branches remain open and preserve important resources for children, families, seniors and all of Multnomah County.

The Working Families of Oregon AFSCME, AFSCME Local 88 and 189, IBEW #48; and the Northwest Oregon Labor Council, AFL-CIO

(This information furnished by Paige Richardson, Libraries Yes!)

The printing of this argument does no constitute an endorsement by Multnomah County, nor does the county warrant the accuracy or truth of any statements made in the argument.

ARGUMENT IN FAVOR

VOTE YES FOR OUR LIBRARIES

We believe a strong library makes a strong community.

Walk into any of our neighborhood libraries these days and you will see hardworking people filled with hope, determination and optimism.

  • Children are getting help with homework and learning to love reading.
  • Senior citizens and young families who have been forced to live on less are finding information and advice with the help of librarians.
  • Those who are unemployed are turning to the library to get access to computers and help in searching for work.

Our library was founded during another troubled time in our nation’s history – the Civil War. We were just a fledgling settlement on the banks of the Willamette when our library shaped our community’s legendary love for reading. Today, Multnomah County Library is the oldest public library west of the Mississippi and one of the hardest-working and most respected library systems in the country.

Each year, our library breaks records and wins awards for high usage, efficient operations and programs that change the lives of children, families and seniors. And the use by the community only continues to grow - over the last decade, checkouts at our library have nearly doubled. Currently, more than 35,000 people visit our library in person or online every day.

The Library Foundation is an independent, community-based non-profit dedicated to enhancing our library’s incredible work. Our volunteers and thousands of supporters make gifts, large and small, to expand taxpayer’s investment in the basic operations of our hardworking library.

Multnomah County Library has earned our trust and deserves our support.

Measure 26-125 will give voters the option to renew our investment in the library and keep Multnomah County Library’s doors open. Measure 26-125 is not a tax increase.

Join us, the volunteers and supporters of The Library Foundation, by voting yes on Measure 26-125.

Keep our Library’s doors open.

(This information furnished by Merris Sumrall, The Library Foundation)

The printing of this argument does no constitute an endorsement by Multnomah County, nor does the county warrant the accuracy or truth of any statements made in the argument.