Editor,

Our libraries are not free.

Your Sno-Isle Library card is free, but the wonderful system of Sno-Isle Libraries that we enjoy in Island and Snohomish counties are not. The 23 libraries across the two counties, staffs, materials and services rely on a tax levy from you and me to operate effectively. The libraries have operated with a 1 percent cap on their annual budgets. However, costs for utilities, materials, salaries and health care costs have continued to rise every year with no cap.

The Sno-Isle Libraries serve more than half of the over 700,000 residents of the two counties with over 1.5 million e-and audio books checked out in 2017.

In addition, over 220,000 people of all ages have attended Sno-Isle classes and events in the past year. Few institutions in our counties are able to provide a better bang for our tax dollars than the Sno-Isle libraries, but now they need our help.

Recently, you received a ballot in the mail to decide whether to restore the levy rate of 47 cents per $1,000 of assessed value for collection in 2019.

A 9-cent increase, and a real bargain toward serving the community’s educational and entertainment needs. Without this small increase, the Sno-Isle libraries will have to cut over $2 million in services and staff from its annual budget.

Join me in voting yes on this request to maintain the levy rate and supporting this jewel of educational and community services provided to all of us.

Please vote yes to support our libraries.

Bob Wolters

Langley