Thank You for Passing the Levy!

Libraries YES!

This November, voters will be asked to renew funding for our libraries. The library levy passed in 2002 is about to expire. It provides over half of the library’s funds. Renewing the levy will continue library services including hours at the central library and neighborhood branches and programs like summer reading, homework help for students, book delivery for homebound seniors, and job seeking resources for all people. The levy will also allow the library to open planned branches in underserved neighborhoods in East County and North Portland. If the levy does not pass some library branches will close, others will cut back their hours, the library will buy fewer books and materials, and planned branches will not open.

Why Vote Yes for Libraries?

Renewing the Library levy means neighborhood libraries can continue the same services, programs, and hours we’ve come to rely on. Without voter support some neighborhood libraries www.multcolib.org/hours/ will close and the remaining library branches will be open fewer hours. The levy will also provide funds to operate two planned branches in underserved neighborhoods of North Portland and East County, bringing important library services to these communities.

The library can change people’s lives. Voting yes to renew library funding continues:

• Programs for school age children www.multcolib.org/birthtosix and story hours for babies and toddlers which foster reading at an early age.
• Summer Reading www.multcolib.org/summer/ programs to make books and reading a part of children’s lives all year round.
• Training for students and teachers on how to use library resources.
• Homework helperswww.multcolib.org/homework/ to assist children with school work.
• Free access to information through computers www.multcolib.org/services/computers/ and online resources.
• Book delivery to homebound seniors www.multcolib.org/seniors/ and nursing home residents who can not make it to the library easily.
• Updated books, magazines, reference material, cd’s, dvd’s and much more.
• Neighborhood branches www.multcolib.org/hours/ and Central Library www.multcolib.org/agcy/cen.html which make it convenient to access library programs and services.

Our library continues to be a great value. Last year alone,

464,000 people -- nearly 70% of county residents -- had a library card.

13,000 people visited the libraries 17 branches every day.

Library users checked out over 20 million items from the library, which is just over 28 items for every man, woman and child who live in the county.

Multnomah County was ranked #1 in cost efficiency.

Our libraries are well used and well loved. Please, vote yes for libraries!

Get involved today!

Renewing library funding is critical and we can’t do it without your help. For more information about the Libraries Yes! campaign, to find out about volunteer opportunities, or to make a contribution to Libraries Yes!, please contact Beckie Lee at 503-248-7099 or via email at blee@easystreet.com.

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