NEWS RELEASE

Contact: Doug Bean, Middletown Library System Director,  513-424-0659
 James VonderHaar, President of Library Board, Chairman of  Libraries Enrich Lives Committee, 513-320-6725

April 2, 2010

MIDDLETOWN LIBRARY SYSTEM’S LEVY CAMPAIGN GETS GOING

The Libraries Enrich Lives Committee, led by Library Board President James VonderHaar, announced ways for voters to get information on the upcoming ballot Issue #7 before the May 4 election.   

A website devoted to information on the Middletown Library System’s proposed 0.75 mill levy is www.LibrariesEnrichLives.org.  Voters may also call 513-422-8007 or email to LibrariesEnrichLives@gmail.com.

Supporters may also drop into any of the branch libraries and pick up a lapel ribbon to wear in support of their library.

Library users of the nationally ranked Middletown Library System came to expect easy access to the best and latest materials, helpful librarians and convenient hours.  Many parents expect regular story times, teen programs on summer jobs and college plans.  Groups expect meeting rooms to be available in the daytime and evening hours. Business people expect the subscription services of on-line databases and current business publications.  Those who cannot come to the library expect the home delivery of books and the mini libraries in nursing homes.

Some of those services have been cut back recently due to severe cuts in state funding to libraries in Ohio. To restore the curtailed hours of service, staffing and materials, a small levy is on the May 4 ballot.  The 0.75 mill Issue 7 on the ballot will bring back all the cut services and maintain those popular free computers with internet access in each of the three branches – Middletown, Trenton and West Chester.

The Middletown Public Library system serves the eastern half of Butler County – including the cities of Monroe, Trenton, Middletown, Seven Mile and the townships of West Chester, Madison, Wayne, Lemon, and Liberty. (Lane Public Library  serves the western part of Butler County and will be asking for voters in their district to support a similar levy.)

Other community members serving on the campaign steering committee are: Treasurer Richard Sears, CFP® of West Chester; Division Chairs: recently retired assistant library director Judi Girton of Middletown, James Frazier of Trenton and Art Hupp of West Chester; Campaign Funding:Ann Baines; and advisors Knight Goodman and

Ann Mort. ####

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