Toledo libraries kick off November levy campaign - 19 Action News|Cleveland, OH|News, Weather, Sports

Toledo libraries kick off November levy campaign

Posted: Updated:

TOLEDO, OH (TOLEDO NEWS NOW) - Leaders for the Toledo-Lucas County Public Library say their future is in limbo. They're kicking off a campaign Thursday to push for support of a levy on the November ballot.

A rally took place just outside Fifth Third Field in attempts to gain support.

Nearly 50 percent of the library's funding is at stake on Nov. 6. Issue 23 in Lucas County will ask voters to approve a 2.9 mill operating levy. The new levy would replace an existing 2 mill levy that expires at the end of the year. The increase will replace what was lost in state funding cuts in recent years. The money would go towards buying more books, restoring hours of operation at branches as well as boosting computer and other materials.

A library spokesperson says a 2.9 mill levy is equal to $21 million to $23 million. If the levy is approved, the owner of a $100,000 home in Lucas County would pay $27 more per year. The operating budget for the library is $38 million to $40 million a year.

Library Director Clyde Scoles says with usage on the rise, he believes the library would be a solid investment for the future.

Library leaders say not passing the levy could mean closing its doors.

This is the first time they've put an initiative on the ballot during a presidential election.

Copyright 2012 Toledo News Now. All rights reserved.