I would like to encourage all voters in the Stanwood-Camano area to support the two propositions on the September ballot which will enable our community to have a new library. Communities are judged by many things, such as a good school system – which we have thanks to the continued support of voters. If you have attended the scholarship awards night at the high school, you are aware of the support for education by the Stanwood Camano Area Foundation and the many service organizations and clubs in the area. As a retired educator, I am aware of the value of a good library to the schools as well as to the many families in our area who home school their children. In addition, a library offers services for all ages from pre-schoolers to seniors.
There will be two propositions on the ballot and both must pass for the library to become a reality. The first one will allow a library facilities district to be formed that will have the same boundaries as the Stanwood Camano School District. The purpose of this is to spread the cost fairly among all the library users.
The second proposition will be the bond for $9 million to build the new library. That might seem like a lot. And it is, especially to seniors who probably paid more for their last car than they did for their first house. However, the cost includes the purchase and preparation of the land, the construction of the building, the furniture, computers, materials and books. By spreading the cost over all the potential users the burden is not too heavy on anyone. It is estimated the cost of the bond on a $200,000 home will be $35 a year for the 20 years of the bond. That is less than renting one video a month.
Please help support this important asset to our community.
MAY PALMER
Camano Island
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