Library levy passes, maintaining beloved study spot

by Addison Maley

Editor-in-Chief

The following story was written by a student on the staff of The Jaguar Times as part of Hilliard Bradley High School’s Journalism Production course.

Visitors enter the Columbus Metropolitan Library’s Hilliard branch. Photo by: Addison Maley (12).

Franklin County voters passed the Columbus Metropolitan Library’s first levy in 13 years this November, set to bring in $39 million of taxpayer money for the library.

The levy passed with ease, 63% in favor and only 37% opposed. This overwhelming support is likely due to CML’s financial management skills, which allowed them to stretch their last levy so long.

Despite CML’s effective resource management, prices have increased over 19% since 2020, with energy prices being the most unstable according to the Legislative Analyst’s Office. Without an increase in funding to account for this inflation, CML predicted a deficit of over $11 million by 2026.

The library receives a majority of its funding from taxpayers, the rest coming from Ohio’s Public Library Fund. The PLC allocates 1.7% of Ohio’s General Revenue Fund to support public libraries throughout the state, helping to cover operating, maintenance, and program costs.

U.S. inflation rate soars through 2022. Graphic by Statista.

The main goal of the levy is to finance facility costs, utilities, and current programs rather than expand services.

Library frequenters are not bothered by this, feeling that CML already provides the services they find most necessary.

Molli Patterson (12) shares that she is happy with the services offered.

“I use the study rooms the most. They provide me with a quiet place to study without distractions, which is nice. My needs are supported as a student- they have a lot of helpful resources available that are really convenient.”

Leon Norman (12) agrees, sharing “[CML] offers many [services] that allow for me and others to have access to things we may not have at home… at home, there are many distractions that cause me to take double the time to finish an assignment. It allows me to study and be prepared for class the next day.”

Support for the library and its most recent levy is shared among voters and students alike, both enjoying CML’s expansive book collection, private study rooms, free wifi, and more. Franklin County is happy to see this legacy continue.