In Support of Library District

Cindy Willis, Polson

For over 30 years, the Polson City Library has provided my family with countless hours of reading entertainment, help with the kid’s school projects, children’s reading hours, inter-library loans, bookmobile and meeting space for community meetings. For that time, we have put a few dollars into the library but nothing like the financial support the library deserved.

I am pleased to support the North Lake County Public Library District for all the benefits my family will receive. In fact, it is a bit embarrassing to realize that, as an out-of-city resident, very few of my county taxes have gone to help pay for this library that I use on a weekly basis.

The library needs stable funding so that the current uncertainties are eliminated. It is ridiculous for that fine operation to have to depend on donations in order to buy books and other resource materials. It hardly seems fair that Polson City taxpayers should shoulder the burden of providing library service for so many non-Polson residents. It is time we found a more equitable solution.

In my business as a realtor who represents buyers, I know how important a vibrant library is in the decision to relocate. Many times I have been told how surprised prospects have been that our Polson library is so well staffed and stocked, having access to computer etc. They are most surprised when I tell them that there is no fee charged to take out books.

This is really the idea that Andrew Carnegie had in mind when he said “ A public library outranks any other one thing that a community can do to help its people.”

I urge voters to demonstrate their support for the library and the foundation of the North Lake County Public Library District. Please vote “yes” on your ballot.