Everyone wants a good public library

How to pay for it remains a controversial question for property taxpayers, By Anya Tikka MILFORD — The Building Committee for the planned new library system in Pike County has big plans, but not everyone is on board with a new tax supporting it. Rebecca Lindsey, member of the Board of Directors of the Pike County Public Library, said “We currently have three libraries in Pike County: in Milford, Dingmans and Lackawaxen. When we’re finished, we’ll have five altogether, with two additional libraries in Lehman and Palmyra Townships.” The Committee has conducted a capital campaign for about 2.5 years and so far has raised about $4.5 million, said Lindsey, “but you have to raise a lot of money.” At the moment, the library system is running in the red. Unless steady yearly funding comes from Pike County, not only will services such as new books, DVD’s, internet access, and small business resources be cut, but there also won’t be as many educational or recreational programs, and some locations may have to close, according to an information leaflet distributed at the library system headquarters in Milford. Asked why she thought there might be resistance to the new proposed library system, Lindsey said many didn’t like the original Milford central library building design, but it’s now much changed, a modern building. “This is an investment in our future, and to give our children a competitive edge,” continued Lindsey. “This is a rural community, there are no colleges. Many don’t have internet access or computer at home, and kids can do their research and homework in the library, and also it’s available for writing resumes.” But this vision comes with a price tag for every homeowner in the county. The committee collected enough signatures to have a question put on the ballot this November for the approval of a proposed library tax. This would bring in about $900,000 annually instead of the $200,000 the library now gets from the county, and various smaller contributions from other local governments. That represents an increase of one mil or about $35 per average household, said Lindsey. The idea of any added tax does not sit well with some, but “no one wants to sound like they’re against a library,” said one Milford Borough councilman. Others also expressed concerns over the proposed tax and the new library system. Many of the people we spoke with who are opposed will not object on the record. Some have concerns about retribution against their businesses or employment. Among the things they are questioning is the concept of an ‘average’ household, which they say is an abstraction. Lindsey replied, “Yes, larger business owners (or houses) would have to pay a lot more, but in my view they are shortsighted. It’s a small investment in the community where you have your business, when in return you can have a better educated and informed workforce.” She conceded that in a tough economy, any increase in taxation is bound to meet with resistance. As a group, Taxpayers United has been a staunch opponent of any new tax increases. Its president, Robert Goldsack, declined to take any official position until their upcoming Oct. 14 borough hall forum on the library tax referendum. As of now, Goldsack said he does not know enough about the details to comment . Some have suggested that new tax money might be better used, for example, to fund a county- wide fire department or some other services. Lindsey said that if the tax is approved, it will free money for other services that currently goes to the libraries.