The filing deadline for the May 21 election passed last week, and in addition to a number of candidates running for positions in the county, the Oneida County Library is putting a facilities levy on the ballot in an attempt to update and upgrade its building, which has not been significantly upgraded since its initial construction in the 1970s. 

The library provides a wide range of services to residents of the county and city beyond the book and audio/video materials normally associated with libraries, including after school programs, STEM programs, Adult classes (Glowforge, 3-D printer, etc.), the Summer Reading program, readings from local and regional writers, and much more.

The library also provides Wifi for the community, with an extender to allow for wireless access outside the building in the park area.  It also serves as an afterschool place for students to gather in a safe and learning-focused environment.  Services for the community such as access to online archives and services, the use of things like the 3-D printer, copying and faxing, and others allow the library to serve community needs that are not met elsewhere.  

The levy being sought by the library is for $150,000/yr for 10 years, which works out to about $30/year for most taxpayers of the library district.  The funds will be used for things such as replacing the carpet and paint (which haven’t been updated in decades, replacing the HVAC system (which is currently electric), and expanding the storage space in the library to allow material to be stored more effectively.  At present, the large number of items stored in the meeting/conference room make access difficult and scheduling problematic.  

According to Library Director Kathy Kent, the “building is sound—but we want to keep it that way, and it needs some work to make that happen.”  

As a community hub, the library is something that potentially affects the lives of many residents in the community, and certainly their children.  The adage about an ounce of prevention is apt here, as the longterm costs of updating the building become larger with each year that passes and the repairs/improvements are not put into place.  

The vote for the levy will be held May 21.