Voters asked to fund Glen Lake Library’s ongoing operations
Luunappi (l-to-r, Patrick Niemisto and Norm Wheeler) performs for the kids on July 22 at the Glen Lake Library in Empire. Photo by Julia Ludden
From staff reports
On August 3, residents of Empire, Glen Arbor and Kasson Townships will be asked to consider a property tax assessment to fund ongoing operations of the Glen Lake Library, a treasured community resource which opened last September in a new building in Empire.
The proposal asks for a renewal of the current assessment of 0.2746 mills, with an added assessment of 0.0254 mills, for a total assessment of 0.30 mills. If approved, the millage would fund library operations for five years, beginning this December and expiring in December 2025. The proposed millage assessment would generate $247,735 in the first year. Those with a property taxable value of $250,000 would pay $75 per year to fund the library; those with a taxable value of $100,000 would pay $30 per year.
The property tax assessment first approved in 1996, and re-approved in 2016, has come to an end. It will provide funding only through the end of this year. If successful, the millage will allow the library to remain open and continue services in the new facility. The millage will be used for operational costs only: design and construction of the new building was funded entirely through private donations and grants, received from 2018 to 2020, with no construction loans or bonds needed.
Since it was established in 1977, the library has provided multi-generational opportunities for learning and recreation. “With a new facility that opened last September and remained open to the public during the COVID-19 pandemic, we’re positioned to become an even more essential resource,” the library states on its website. “A legacy of strong local support has allowed the library to grow with the community, providing: knowledgeable and professional staff for great customer service; early literacyincluding story hours and a reading-rich environment; life-long learning including presentations, webinars and classes; digital collections including e-books, audiobooks, and movies, and computers and WiFi for public access, with printing, scanning and faxing capabilities.
A community treasure for generations
“I have been going to the Glen Lake Community Library since I was a young child back in the ‘80s,” said Empire Township resident Andria LaValley. “My parents would take me and my siblings to story-time with Yogi and we would bring home piles of books to read.
“Now my own children get to go to the same wonderful story time and bring home piles of books for themselves. We also love the educational programs they have there every summer. We homeschool our two boys so the library is an important resource for us. During the pandemic we didn’t make it to the library often but we did use their online resources.
“Three generations of my family have gotten to use and appreciate the resources of this great library. I hope everyone can see the amazing value the library brings to this community and they vote for the upcoming millage to operate the library.”
