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A Letter to the Residents of Van Wert County
As a center of lifelong learning for generations of Van Wert County residents, the Brumback Library has strived to meet the research, informational, and recreational reading needs of individuals of all ages for the past 109 years. Over the course of the past nine years though, the Library has faced declining income and monetary support while experiencing increased usage. Like most of Ohio’s 251 public libraries, we receive the majority of our funding (82%) from the State’s Public Library Fund, otherwise known as the PLF. This funding source derives its monies from a 1.97% allocation of the State’s General Revenue Fund.
While libraries in other counties across the State have drastically cut service hours and laid off staff, we have balanced our budget via the following avenues. The staff has taken a 10% salary cut, while the Director has taken another salary cut, his fourth since 2002. Minor cuts in operating schedules at Main Library and the branches have occurred. Fewer new materials, i.e. books, CDs, DVDs, books-on-tape, etc. have been purchased, while computer hardware and software purchases have been made only on an as-needed basis. Last, but not least, programming and outreach efforts are being maintained at 2002 levels.
Due to the downturn in the overall economy, income tax reform, and major cuts in State funding, the next several years will be especially trying. Over the course of the past three years, the Library has lost approximately $325,000.00 in funding from the State due to decreased revenue funds.In spite of this staggering loss, the demand for our services has ncreased. 2009’s circulation/usage rate exceeded 640,000 items. The homebound program touches the lives of close to 325 residents with books, magazines, puppets, and a smile. More than twenty preschool story time sessions are offered each week. Nearly 1,900 infants, toddlers, and schoolage children participated in this year’s Summer Reading Program.
Inflation affects the Library just as it affects every household, business, and institution. We are all familiar with the rising costs of health insurance, building insurance, and utilities. At the Library though, we also have the increased costs of books and materials to consider. For all of these reasons, a local tax levy is essential.
A vital part of the Library’s funding comes from a 1/2 mill tax which is part of the Brumback Library’s operating agreement of 1898. Collected from 1901 to 1934, the tax was initially suspended due to the Great Depression. To offset decreased State funding seventy-one years later though, the levy was placed on the ballot in 2005 and approved by Van Wert County voters with an unprecedented 74% passage rate.
The monies obtained via the levy are crucial to maintain the Library’s resources and services that Van Wert County residents have come to know and expect. On several occasions within the past nine years, Governor Taft and Governor Strickland, along with several legislators, have suggested the State substantially decrease and/or eliminate public library funding, including the recent 2010-2011 budget deliberations. To honor our past, to insure stability in funding, to recognize our present needs, and to plan for our future, it is vital that the library levy be approved.
We are seeking your assistance and support as both a county resident and a beneficiary of the resources, services, and programming efforts of the Brumback Library. Your yes vote will enable the Library to maintain the services our citizens need and deserve. All funds received will be used for general operating expenses. This includes purchasing books and materials for the public to borrow or use on the premises, as well as programming, outreach efforts, and building maintenance.
Mr. John Sanford Brumback, together with the Brumback Family, have provided the community with an invaluable legacy. Please help us to sustain, enhance, and preserve this community resource. Your consideration and support is most gratefully appreciated!
Yours truly,
The Brumback Library Board of Trustees
Mr. Michael R. Zedaker, President
Ms. Eva J. Yarger, Vice President
Mrs. Frank Snyder, Secretary
Mr. David L. Brumback
Mrs. David L. Brumback
Mr. John Purmort
Mrs. Robert Stripe
Mr. Larry Wendel, Trustee Emeritus
Mr. John J. Carr, Director
2010 Library Levy Fact Sheet
The Board of Trustees of the Brumback Library will place a 1/2 mill five year renewal operating levy on the November 2010 ballot. Cutbacks in service hours, staff, books, and programming due to less money from the State’s General Revenue Fund (GRF), plus cuts and freezes in State funding over the past nine years, prompt the further need for
the levy.
* State funding has continued to decline and remain stagnant. Libraries are receiving less while operating costs, such as the price of books, utilities, and insurance, continue to rise.
* This levy would cost the average homeowner of a $50,000 home $6.72 per year, or $0.56 per month, or 1.8 cents per day. For a $100,000 home, the cost would be $13.46 per year, or $1.12 per month, or 3.7 cents per day.
* This levy would allow the Library to continue to offer public service hours, staff, books, and other services, as well as to purchase additional materials.
* The Brumback Library is the sixth largest library system in NW Ohio with an annual circulation of over 640,000.
* The Library hosts numerous classes and student visits every year.
* The Library makes more than 500 school visits annually to area preschools and elementary schools.
* Over 800 story times are offered each year.
* More than 9,200 people attend programs at the Library annually.
* The Library provides outreach services to over 300 homebound patrons.
* Over 16,000 people access the Internet at one of the Library’s six locations every year.
* Over 3,900 people visit our libraries weekly.
How Much Would It Cost a Homeowner for a 1/2 Mill Library Tax?
Value of Home Tax per Year
$50,000 $6.72
$100,000 $13.44
$150,000 $20.16
$200,000 $26.88
$250,000 $33.60
$300,000 $40.32
$350,000 $47.04
$400,000 $53.76
$450,000 $60.48
$500,000 $67.20
$600,000 $80.64
$700,000 $94.08
$800,000 $107.52
$900,000 $120.96
$1,000,000 $134.40
What Would Be the Cost of a 1/2 Mill Levy on Farm Ground?
The tax rate to tillage farm ground is determined according to CAUV rates.The following outline of the cost of a 1/2 mill library levy to farm ground in the Brumback Library service district using a soil value average of $700.00 translates to $245.00 tax value per acre at 35%.
According to the Van Wert County/OSU Extension Office, the average farm in Van Wert County is 351 acres.
100 acres $9.42 tax per year
200 acres $18.84 tax per year
300 acres $28.26 tax per year
400 acres $37.68 tax per year
500 acres $47.10 tax per year
600 acres $56.52 tax per year
700 acres $65.94 tax per year
800 acres $75.36 tax per year
900 acres $84.78 tax per year
1000 acres $94.20 tax per year
1500 acres $141.30 tax per year
2000 acres $188.40 tax per year
2500 acres $235.50 tax per year
3000 acres $282.60 tax per year
Source: Van Wert County Auditors Office
Vote for the Renewal Levy and Keep Your Library Services
The Brumback Library is essential! Here at the Library, the learning never ends for over 25,000 Van Wert County residents who check out books, read magazines, use reference materials, listen to CDs, or use computers to explore the world -- all with help from librarians and staff. At Main Library and its five branches, children learn to love reading, students use reference books and computers to do their homework, and adults search for nonfiction and recreational reading materials. Many students and teachers rely on the Brumback Library to provide a myriad of services and resources in support of the schools.
Since 2002, our State funding has been reduced significantly. Considering the major cuts to the Library’s funding from the State of Ohio, the past three years have been particularly challenging. These cuts have seriously affected our ability to provide up-to-date materials and keep local library services going. The Brumback Library has been fiscally responsible and has earned perfect audits. To balance the budget, we have been trimming services since 2002. To date, we have cut or trimmed ...
* Purchases of new books, magazines, CDs, DVDs, and other resources
* Staffing at all levels, including cuts to Director and staff salaries
* Programming for children, teenagers, and adults
* Operating hours at Main Library and the branches as little as possible
* Our delivery schedule to the homebound
We cannot keep cutting and still provide the level of services area residents need, not to mention our ability to keep our local library buildings safe and well maintained without the passage of this renewal levy. That is why the Brumback Library will place a 1/2 mill renewal levy on the ballot in November. The passage of this levy means the Library can ...
* Continue to provide up-to-date books, magazines, newspapers, etc.
* Keep services intact for children
* Maintain service to senior citizens and the homebound
* Conduct the preventive maintenance needed to keep our library
buildings in good condition -- safe and useful
* Maintain library spaces as needed
* Maintain computers and technology
The Brumback Library needs your vote to protect the services it provides children, families, and seniors. The additional cost would be $13.46 per year, $1.12 per month, or 3.7 cents per day for the owner of a $100,000 home and approximately $6.72 a year, $0.56 per month, or 1.8 cents a day for the owner of a $50,000 home. This is certainly a small investment for maintaining quality local libraries. With cuts from the State, local support is essential to keep basic quality services. Without local support, there will be major cuts to services. Please support the Brumback Library. Vote for the levy and keep library services!!!
In a situation of this nature, questions often arise. Hopefully the following questions and answers will address any concerns or reservations you may have about the need for a library levy.
Q : How is the Brumback Library funded?
The Brumback Library receives 82% of its total operating funds from the Public Library Fund, otherwise known as the PLF. Established in 2008 by the State of Ohio, the PLF receives its monies from a 1.97 % allocation derived from the Ohio General Revenue Fund. Grants, gifts, and donations constitute 3.5% of our budget, with 14.5% of the Library’s income coming from the Library levy as well as fines and fees.
Q : Isn’t there a Brumback or Reed Family Endowment?
No. The monies donated by the Brumback Family were used only for construction purposes. Likewise, the gifts from the estates of Orville Reed and Ellen Reed were used to renovate the original building and to fund the new addition. Both of these projects were completed in 1992. According to the stipulations specifically outlined in the Reeds’ trusts, no funds were used for books, computers, or on-going operating expenses.
Q: What about the Library Enrichment Foundation? Isn’t that an endowment source?
No, it is not. The Library Enrichment Foundation is a private, non-profit foundation that operates independently of the Library. The Foundation seeks to support the Library in its mission to meet the informational, recreational, and research reading needs of its patrons. Many major projects over the years have been funded by the Library Enrichment Foundation. These projects include, but are not limited to, the window replacement project, the automation of the Library’s catalog and circulation system, and the branch construction program. The Foundation which accepts gifts, grants, donations, etc., has a modest cash reserve and would, by no means, be able to financially fund the Library on a continuing basis.
Q : Why did the Library build new branches in the 1990’s?
The Brumback Library has had an on-going commitment to the residents of Van Wert County for over 109 years. It was Mr. Brumback’s implicit goal to establish a library which would serve all Van Wert County residents. The Main Library in Van Wert is the library’s crowning jewel and lifeline, however branch library service is extremely important. With the completion of Main Library’s renovation and addition in 1992, the Director and Trustees sought to upgrade the branch sites. A Branch Improvement Plan, designed by the Director and endorsed by the Trustees, was the catalyst for positive changes in branch building and service delivery. In 1994, the Brumback Library only had three branches. Each of these sites lacked indoor plumbing, air conditioning, adequate heat, etc. The book collections were limited due to size and space. Through hard work, perseverance, and a fund-raising campaign, the Library renovated and added onto the original Convoy Branch, built new facilities in Wren and Ohio City, and purchased a building which was renovated to house a facility in Middle Point. The funds for these projects were
derived from grants, gifts, and donations from various foundations, organizations, and individuals. No public monies were used for the construction projects. Then, in 2007, the Village of Willshire renovated their former Village Hall to house the present Willshire Branch Library. The branches have improved greatly in a service sense as well. In 1994, the original three branches were open a total of 47 hours per week. With five branches, our current operating branch schedule is 127 hours per week. The book and materials collections have increased by nearly 80%. Utilized by patrons of all ages, but especially by children and senior citizens, each branch facility exists as an integral community center/resource in the villages in which they are located.
Q : If significant funding cuts occur in the future, how will such actions affect the Library?
Such funding cuts could possibly lead to further reductions in purchasing books and materials, a decline in the number of programs which are offered to area residents, a reduction in operating hours, and a myriad of other cost saving efforts.
Q : What would happen if State funding for the Library was totally eliminated?
Such a move would lead to the close of the Library itself.
Q : Are any branches scheduled to close?
No. As previously stated, the Brumback Library has worked very hard to offer newer branch sites that are filled with a variety of materials and resources. It is our collective hope that the PLF is preserved so that we can continue to offer the services that all Van Wert County residents have come to expect.
Q : What has the Brumback Library done in terms of spending and/or staffing cuts?
While many libraries across the State have drastically cut service hours or laid off staff, we have balanced our budget by purchasing fewer materials, instituting minor cuts in service hours, and maintaining a modest staff size. Since we have cut staff positions, we are all working harder to meet patrons’ needs. The Director and Staff have had their salaries cut. In fact, the Director took his fourth voluntary salary cut this year.
Q : What will happen if I don’t vote for the levy?
To pass this issue in November, we are going to work very hard to make certain that voters understand how important this issue really is. To make up for what we have lost on the State level, it is imperative that we maintain the present local level of funding ; otherwise, we will have to make continued cuts to services, hours, and staffing, plus building maintenance and repair.
Q : What’s in it for me? I buy my own books and other materials and I am often at work when the Library is open.
Over 25,000 children and adults in Van Wert County use the Library. The entire community benefits because a good library helps to keep the community strong and property values high with important services that are available to everyone. Because the Brumback Library has had to cut hours, resources, and services due to revenue reductions, we have less available for our area residents. Further reductions will seriously hurt our community.
Q : Why should I vote for another levy? I already pay too much in taxes.
A good library helps to improve the quality of life for everyone by providing access to books and other materials that people need. In fact, a good library helps to increase the value of your property. After four years of decreases and funding freezes, the cost of a levy is both small and essential. A $100,000.00 homeowner will only pay
$1.12 a month, while a $50,000.00 homeowner will only pay $0.56 per month.
Q : I am happy with the Library now. Why should I increase my taxes?
Without funding, there will be deeper cuts to materials, staff, and hours. Without the passage of this issue, we will not be able to keep the Library as it is now.
Q : Why are residents of the Delphos City School District being exempted from voting on this levy issue?
As a free public county library, the Brumback Library was established in 1898 for the use of all inhabitants of Van Wert County. Our legal boundaries, however, do not include the portion of the boundaries of the Delphos City School District which overlaps into Van Wert County. The Delphos Public Library, founded in 1912, is chartered as a school district library under Ohio Revised Code 3375.15 and its boundaries are that of the Delphos City School District.
It should also be noted that the Delphos Public Library has been awarded funding through its own local levy for many years. The residents of Delphos support their library financially. The Brumback Library is not permitted to ask voters of that area to vote on any levy which seeks funding for our library.
Q; What kinds of improvements is my local library considering?
We do not know any specifics concerning each branch library, but we do know that with the reduction of state funding, we have had to defer purchases of books and other materials in all facilities. With the levy we will be able to maintain many of the services and continue to keep these buildings in good condition.
Q : Why do you need the money? How can you justify such a levy?
The State has reduced funding to all of Ohio’s public libraries. The Brumback Library is receiving an average of $80,000.00 to $100,000.00 less annually since 2007, resulting in deep cuts in both services and resources. Our revenues have dropped, but usage has continued to escalate.
Q : The Library did the right thing by cutting hours and services to live within its budget instead of asking for an increase.
Within the past nine years, the Brumback Library has not had an increase in State funding since revenues from Ohio have been reduced substantially.
Q : Why does the Library purchase and maintain an audiovisual collection? DVDs and videos belong in a video store, not the library.
Videos, DVDs and books are excellent learning tools and avenues of entertainment for all ages. With books or audiovisual materials, you can learn a new language, explore a new interest, learn your ABC’s, examine our country’s history, and visit faraway lands.
Q : Why don’t you use volunteers to run the Library?
We do use volunteers in as many positions as possible. We are indeed grateful for their help and support, but we also need trained librarians and staff in order to provide the quality of services and programs which are needed.
Q : Businesses and private donors give many donations. Why don’t you ask them for money?
We are constantly looking for additional sources of revenue for the Library, including businesses and private donors.
See You at the Fair
The Brumback Library will host a booth at the Van Wert County Fair from September 1st though September 8th. Located in the Agriculture Building, the booth will be staffed by library employees and volunteers. Library brochures, newsletters, balloons, and a wide array of other items will be available to interested individuals. Children and adults are encouraged to stop by and register for a series of drawings.
It’s Story Time Again
Beginning September 1st, the Children’s Department will accept registrations for all story time sessions.
Family, toddler, and preschool sessions will be held from Monday, October 4th through late April. Infant and toddler story times will be offered at 6:15 p.m. every Monday with a second session meeting at 10:00 a.m. every Tuesday. Family story time has been scheduled at 6:45 p.m. every Monday while preschool story time sessions for three to six year old children have been scheduled on Wednesday and Thursday mornings at 10:00. For further information, please contact the Children’s Department at 238-2168.
Brumback Library story time sessions will also be offered at Calvary Preschool, Headstart, First United Methodist Preschool, Thomas Edison, Vantage Preschool, and Wee Care Learning Center.
Tallyho, Pinkerton!
Steven Kellogg will be appearing at the Niswonger Performing Arts Center at 7:30 p.m. on Monday, September 20th, 2010.A renowned children’s author and illustrator, Mr. Kellogg has brought Jimmy’s memorable boa, a mysterious tadpole, Library Lil, Clorinda, and Pinkerton to life, as well as numerous follore legends such as Johnny Appleseed, Paul Bunyan, Pecos Bill, and Mike Fink. With over one hundred books to his credit, Mr. Kellogg has penned and illustrated thirty titles himself. Children and their parents or caregivers are encouraged to see this program. For tickets, please contact the NPAC at (419) 238-NPAC.
Fall Book Sale
Mark your calendar for the Fall Book Sale on Saturday, September 18th from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Books for adults and children, plus encyclopedias, magazines, videos, etc. will be available for purchase in the Reading Room at Main Library.
Holiday Closings
The Brumback Library will be closed September 4th through September 6th in observance of Labor Day. Although Main Library and Convoy Branch will be open as usual on Wednesday, September 8th, the Middle Point, Ohio City, Willshire, and Wren Branches will be closed for Children’s Day at the Fair.
With Many Thanks
The Brumback Library is pleased to report that 1,893 Van Wert County children participated in a wide range of Summer
Reading activities in June and July. Infants, toddlers, and elementary school children enjoyed creative programs presented by Ellen Ford, Tammy Campbell, Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo, Gerald Gordon and Trevor Miller, Joy Gordon and Katrina Rupert, Kelly Greene, Rick McCoy, Theresa Mengerink, Belinda Miller, Mary Minnig, the Ohio
Department of Natural Resources, Tom Phoolery, Van Wert Soil & Conservation,and Larry Wirtz the Science Guy. The open swimming sessions at the Y.M.C.A. this year were a splash! Numerous story time sessions, craft workshops, fun and game sessions, and walk-in craft days, plus a wide array of other special activities were presented by the Brumback Library’s Staff and Volunteers. Over 600 children and their parents attended the Madcap Puppet Theatre’s production
of “Annie Oakley” at the Marsh Auditorium, while over 900 participants enjoyed the movie Toy Story 3 at the Van Wert Cinemas. In between this flutter of activities, Van Wert County’s young readers read a staggering total of 86,162 books in seven weeks. In recognition of this amazing accomplishment, we celebrated with a carnival held at the Family Life Center of Trinity Friends Church. The Brumback Library is extremely grateful to the pastors, staff, and members of Trinity
Friends Church. Once again, Mark Hartman was extremely accommodating and helpful. The same may be said of the office and custodial staff of the church. In addition to the fun and games in the gymnasium that afternoon, Johnny Appleseed from the TinCaps welcomed children shortly before Ronald McDonald and friends presented a program emphasizing the importance of reading.
The Brumback Library is likewise pleased to report that 1,219 students in grades seven through twelve participated
in the Young Adult Summer Reading Program, while 3,305 individuals participated in the Adult Beach Book Club and another 301 individuals registered for the Home-bound Summer Reading Program.
The Board of Trustees, Director,and Staff of the Brumback Library wish to recognize and thank the following businesses,
organizations, and volunteers who either contributed financially, provided gifts in kind, or shared their time and talents with us in support of the Brumback Library’s 95th Annual Summer Reading Program.
Major Supporters
Crestview Teachers Association
Lincolnview Teachers Association
Vantage Career Center Teachers Association
Van Wert Federation of Teachers
Van Wert County Retired Teachers Association
Eaton Charitable Fund
Mr. Jerry Lewis and McDonald’s
First Federal Savings & Loan Association
StateWide Ford
Sponsors
Anonymous Donors
Arby’s
Autozone
B&K Rootbeer
Becky’s Village Restaurant
Bob Evans Restaurant
Bon Ton Shoe Repair
Brookside Convenience Store
Butler’s Bakery
John and Kim Carr
Chic Extreme
Chuck & Deb’s Bait Shop
Chuffer’s Express Mart
Collins Fine Food
Dairy Queen
Derry Drug Mart
DeShia
Family Video
First Bank of Berne
Fort Wayne Tin Caps
Huggy Bear Campground
J&J Butler Sales & Service
Kennedy-Kuhn
King’s Island
Knights Cream Castle
Knights Pizza
Lee’s Ace Hardware
Main Street Ice Cream Parlor
Ohio City Depot
Ohio Department of Natural Resources
Ohio State Fair
Orchard Tree Restaurant
Papa John’s Pizza
Parkway Teachers Association
The Partee Shop
Peking Chinese Restaurant
Pizza Hut
Rambler’s Roost
Rocky Top
Shutterbugg
Sonic
The Spelling Bee
Stollers Feed & Grain
Subway
Sycamore Frozen Yogurt & Custard
Taco Bell
The Tavern
Three Rivers Federal Credit Union
TJ’s Grocerette
Tractor Supply Company
United States Postal Service
Van Wert County Job & Family Services Staff
Van Wert Independent(Dave Mosier, editor)
Van Wert Times-Bulletin(Kirk Dougal, editor)
(Rob Krecklow, publisher)
Wendy’s Old Fashioned Hamburgers
WERT Radio
Westwood Car Wash
Wild Willy’s Pizza
Willshire Drive-In
YMCA
YWCA
Volunteers
Ann Ayres
Tammy, Alex & Bryce Campbell
Brendan Carr
Sarah Cearns
Ali Dickman
Andrea Foster
Gerald & Joy Gordon
Forrest & Virginia Gribler
Lois Harrow
Mark Hartman
Bonnie Jones
The Marsh Foundation
Linda Lape
Kay Miller
Trevor Miller
Jennifer Nuce
Christina Ortega
Willi Richardson
Alicia Rist
Linda Rodgers
Rachel Rohrs
Reesa Rohrs
Katrina Rupert
Van Wert Soil & Water Conservation District
Ethan Weldy
Carole Zedaker
Bestsellers Currently Available
Fiction
The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet’s Nest by Larsson
Tough Customer by Brown
The Help by Stockett
Star Island by Hiaasen
Veil of Night by Howard
The Vigilantes by Griffin & Butterworth
The Red Queen by Gregory
The Rembrandt Affair by Silva
Private by Patterson & Paetro
Fly Away Home by Weiner
The Search by Roberts
Sizzling Sixteen by Evanovich
Death on the D-List by Grace
Cure by Cook
The Glass Rainbow by Burke
Super Sad True Love Story by Shteyngart
Nonfiction
Sh*t My Dad Says by Halpern
The Obama Diaries by Ingraham
The Big Short by Lewis
Empire of the Summer Moon by Gwynne
Chelsea Chelsea Bang Bang by Handler
Outliers by Gladwell
Angelina by Morton
Packing for Mars by Roach
Sliding into Home by Wilkinson with Warech
Committed by Gilbert
The Murder Room by Capuzzo
Coming Back Stronger by Brees with Fabry
Medium Raw by Bourdain
The Disappearing Spoon by Kean
The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Skloot
War by Junger
Notable Titles
61 Hours by Child
The Aloha Quilt by Chiaverini
Blockade Billy by King
The Bourne Objective by Lustbader
The Burning Wire by Deaver
Dead in the Family by Harris
Death Echo by Lowell
Heart of the Matter by Giffin
Imperfect Birds by LamottThe Lion by DeMille
Miss Julia Renews her Vows by Ross
The Passage by Cronin
Storm Prey by Sandford
7 Events That Made America America by Schweikart
Every Day in Tuscany by Mayes
Fearless Knitting Workbook by Seiffert
The Fibromyalgia Cookbook by Smith
Hamlet’s BlackBerry by Powers
Let’s Take the Long Way Home by Caldwell
Pearl Buck in China by Spurling
Scout, Atticus and Boo by Murphy
The Secret Life of the Grown-Up Brain by Strauch
Too Big To Save? by Pozen
This newsletter was published and paid for by The Citizens for the Brumback Library, Gary L. Taylor, Treasurer.
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