Editor, News-Register:

Ohio County voters have an important role to play in the upcoming West Virginia Primary Election on May 14. For the first time in its existence, the Ohio County Public Library’s funding depends on the approval of citizens who recognize its value in our community.

The levies for both the Ohio County Board of Education and the library are a component of an existing levy — the election is asking voters for a renewal of that levy. A vote in favor of either levy is not a new tax!

It’s important to remember that funds generated by the levy allow the library to provide:

– Educational opportunities — Empowering individuals of all ages to learn, explore and succeed is possible with every dollar invested in our library’s resources, programs and services;

– Access to information — Supporting our mission that knowledge should be freely available to all;

– Community hub — Fostering connections, encouraging dialogue, and building a stronger community by providing free meeting spaces, workshops, cultural events, and a welcoming environment;

– Literacy and lifelong learning — Promoting lifelong pursuit of curiosity, exploration, discovery, and discussion through social and intellectual engagement skills and information needed to thrive in today’s world;

– Cultural enrichment — Cultivating freely-accessible community experiences by enabling personal enrichment through books, films, music, art exhibitions, lectures, and other resources, and services;

– Economic development — Partnering with workforce development and small business supporters by featuring resources and services for job seekers, small businesses and entrepreneurs, from statistics, how-to information, tax assistance, and fueling economic development;

– Future generations — Engaging the public, supporting lifelong learning, providing early childhood development activities, and other library-based resources encourages parents to read to their children sparking imaginations, creativity and growth

– Return on investment — Generating economic value and positive outcomes in education, workforce development, cultural enrichment, and quality of life

– Quality of life — Making our community a more desirable place to live, work and raise a family is the result of a vibrant, responsive, and dynamic library.

Please consider showing your support in the upcoming election by voting FOR the Ohio County Board of Education and Ohio County Public Library levies.

Michael Hires

Director/Member

Friends of the Ohio County Public Library

Wheeling