Vote Yes For Flint Public Library

Kay Schwartz, Interim Director for the Flint Public Library, provided club members a detailed insight into the world of library operations and its impact on a community.  The Flint Public Library, founded on March 22, 1851,  has been a key institution in the Flint Cultural Center area for many years.  Kay cited some interesting statistics about the Flint Public Library that many of us were not aware of:

1.  More than 1100 people go to their main branch each day;

2.  Their librarians answer more than 500 questions a day;

3.  1/3 of the library users are children and teens;

4.  Out county residents can borrow from the library for free;

5.  The library has the 2nd largest "open stack" geneology collection in the State of Michigan.

6.  The library has been recognized nationally for its programming;

7.  The library also has 3 branch locations within the City of Flint.

The Flint Public Library is a "jewel" in our community.  Their librarians have a strong desire to help, to teach and to share expertise.  It's not just about the books anymore - libraries also teach computer classes (email, searching on the web, how to download e books, etc.) and hold educational classes for the community (such as those provided by the Genesee Bar Association).

The Flint Public Library is funded by a millage which means that their revenue is determined by property values, which have decreased significantly since 2008.  The 1.4 mill Library Millage Proposal which is on the August 3, 2010 ballot is the absolute minimum necessary to keep their essential programs and services.  Two-thirds of the millage (.9 of 1.4) is a renewal of the existing millage.  The .9 millage expires in 2011.

The library staff realizes the importance of reducing costs and since 2004 has reduced staffing by 30% and they have scaled back their benefit plan (unions now pay 20% of the premiums).

The Flint Public Library is much more than a book repository - it's a place for community learning and discussion-an environment where children can learn to read, where student and adults can search for employment opportunities, and where all individuals can search for the history of their ancestors.

If you live within the City of Flint (or know others who do), please encourage them to get out and VOTE YES for the Flint Public Library millage on August 3.

For more information about the Flint Public Library, go to www.fpl.info