Library outgrown many times over

Public libraries have served as a center for knowledge and culture for over 2,000 years. The library at Alexandria, Egypt, stood as a repository of wisdom for over 900 years. There were similar magnificent libraries in Pergamum and Ephesus, and many other ancient cities. At the beginning of the 20th century, multi-millionaire Andrew Carnegie began funding the construction of over 3,000 public libraries in the United States. He saw the immense value of libraries in a strong, growing nation.

In the past century, the function of libraries has grown substantially. Libraries not only loan books but CDs, DVDs, magazines and newspapers. They are equipped with computers: now Internet access is available to everyone. They store documents, artwork, maps and records. Libraries sponsor literacy programs, preschool reading times, and dozens of other programs that serve the community well.

Why the lecture on libraries? On May 20, we will vote to join the Sno-Isle Library District. Joining the library district assures long-term, stable funding for our library and is the first step toward building a new, larger and better-equipped library for Lake Stevens. Our library was built 30 years ago and has a maximum occupancy of 31 people. In 2007, there were over 78,000 visits and over 143,000 books, magazines, CDs and DVDs checked out. Over 5,300 people attended library programs. We have outgrown our current library many times over.

The cost of a new library is small compared to the services it will offer. The levy rate will be 31.3 cents per $1,000 assessed home value. That would be $94 per year for a home valued at $300,000 or roughly $1.80 per week. This is a small price for something so valuable.

Please vote yes to join the library district. Make sure your ballot is in the mail before May 20. Give Lake Stevens the library it needs and deserves.

GEORGE VASIL

Lake Stevens