As a member of the Board of the Trustees for Alpena County George N Fletcher Library, I cannot tell you how to vote on our upcoming millage, but I can provide you with facts that may help you to make your decision.

The upcoming millage is a renewal of our current tax rate that provides the library with about 80% of its funding. Voters are not being asked for additional taxes. The millage in simple terms keeps the books on the shelves, the programs going and the staff employed. Without the millage money, the library would likely have to close the doors to the public.

The library is a financial bargain to the taxpayers. The operating millage has not been raised in 20 years. The library board has been fiscally responsible and despite inflation and rising costs, the library has maintained a balanced budget for the past 20 years. Not many other organizations can state that fact.

The library is a hub of activity and educational opportunities. The Summer Reading Program is in full swing with hundreds of children participating. Throughout the year, the library offers a great variety of classes and events. Take a look at the vast calendar of events on the library’s website and I’m certain you will find something that will interest you.

Finally, one of the most unique things about our library is the Special Collections Department who in partnership with the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary collects, preserves, and houses genealogical, regional history and Great Lakes research that highlight Alpena’s great history and resources. The resources we house attract scholars and historians from all over the state.

I cannot imagine living in a town without a public library. I hope you cannot imagine it, too.

MICHELLE WOOLMAN CORNISH,

Board of trustees, Alpena George N. Fletcher Library