ANSWERS TO FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q:
What is Dayton Metro Library’s levy, and why is it needed?
A: Dayton Metro Library (DML) has placed a 1-mill, 5-year levy on the November 5th, 2024 ballot that will allow DML to keep and improve important services, including:
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Programs to boost student learning, like after-school and summer education, homework help, kindergarten club, and story hours.
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Books, e-books, DVDs, reference materials, and bookmobile services people need.
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Access to technology like public computers, loanable laptops, wireless hotspots, and streaming.
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Help for job seekers, with resumes, searches, placement, and broader workforce development.
Q:
When did Dayton Metro Library last ask voters for an additional operating levy?
A: Dayton Metro Library has not asked for additional operating revenue for 15 years.
Q:
When will the issue go into effect, and how long will the millage last?
A: With voter approval, the additional 1-mill will begin on January 1, 2025 and will last for five years.
Q:
Who gets to vote on this issue?
A: Montgomery County residents within the Dayton Metro Library’s district (excludes Centerville, Washington Township, Germantown, German Township, and Oakwood) who are active registered voters will get to vote on DML’s levy.
Q:
What happens if this levy does not pass?
A: Without new funding, DML will have to cut more than $7 million or nearly 20% of the budget, which will reduce library programs, technology, digital access, books and materials, and staff.
Q:
What is the difference between an operating levy, like the November levy, and the previously passed 2012 bond issue?
A: An operating levy, like this November’s levy, allows the funds to be used only for daily operations, such as buying the materials available for borrowing, paying staff, purchasing supplies, and maintaining and operating the library building. A bond issue, like the one passed in 2012, allowed for new facilities to be built.
Q:
How did the 2012 bond issue passage benefit Dayton Metro Library and the community?
A: In 2012, DML voters approved funding for a system-wide library construction and renovation project due to Dayton Metro Library’s aging infrastructure and need to keep pace with technology. After a decade of construction and renovation, the facilities are now much more technologically advanced, allowing for expanded and improved programming and serving as welcoming spaces tailored to each community.
Q:
I don’t use the library. Why does DML’s levy matter to me?
A: Even if you do not utilize the library or its services, Dayton Metro Library is important for our quality of life, the education of our children, and to keep pace with a changing world. Hundreds of thousands of local citizens of every age, background, and walk of life use the library, and your support would allow for improved programs, increased access to technology, help for workforce development, and more. Your vote for DML’s levy would keep important library services and make our library, children, families, and community stronger – today and tomorrow.
Q:
How much will DML’s levy cost taxpayers?
A: This November’s levy will cost about 67 cents per week per $100,000 of appraised property value. With a small (1 mill) levy and tight cost controls, library staff can move forward with vital services.
Q:
How is the levy campaign funded?
A: The Citizens For Good Libraries is funded entirely by donations from citizens, local groups, and businesses. Taxpayer dollars to Dayton Metro Library are not used to fund the campaign.
Q:
What can I do to help?
A: Order a yard sign; endorse the issue; sign up to receive our emails so you can stay up to date on campaign news and events; visit our “Get Involved” tab to sign up for volunteer opportunities; host a meeting with your book club, block club, PTA or pre-school parents’ group, senior center, civic association, etc.; follow the campaign on social media; share our website with your Montgomery County friends and neighbors; and – most importantly – vote FOR DML’s levy on or before November 5!