Millage Increase Special Election

North Little Rock voters will be asked to vote on a referendum to increase funding for city libraries on February 14.

“Libraries are vital in the lives of many community members - from the youngest, just developing literacy skills, to seniors living on a budget,” said Crystal Gates, North Little Rock Public Library Executive Director. “We are the only places in our community providing free access to public computing and continued educational opportunities.”

The North Little Rock City Council is asking voters if they support a half-penny increase to the amount of taxpayer funding the library receives. Additional funds would be used to maintain and modernize facilities, extend hours, and sustain and enhance essential services, including those provided by a future state-of-theart mobile library.

“We are proud to have our own, award-winning library in North Little Rock and are looking forward to expanding their outreach to underserved neighborhoods with a new mobile library," said North Little Rock Mayor Terry Hartwick. “The libraries in our city have created innovative ways to maximize the return on investment for our citizens. The millage increase will allow the North Litte Rock Libraries to continue to provide unique and educational opportunities for our entire city.”

The current level of funding, set more than 20 years ago in 2002, is not adequate to support the present level of programs, services, staffing, and collections while providing funds for building repairs and modernization, Gates said. In the last few years, the cost of electronic resources has nearly doubled, and funds are needed to upgrade technological and digital resources

With increased funding, the library can also provide longer operating hours, automatic doors for barrier-free access, and renovations to mechanical systems nearing the end of their expected lifespans.

If the millage does not pass, libraries may see a reduction in programs, including outreach to daycares, schools, and seniors to complete system renovations for aging buildings Argenta Library occupies the 91year-old historic Post Office building on Main Street, and Laman Library, at 2801 Orange Street, is 60 years old

The proposed plan would cost a homeowner in the City of North Little Rock (a home with a $150,000 Fair Cash Value) $5 more a month in property taxes.

Homeowners and other regular library users can save money visiting the library weekly. Gates said the savings are $350 a month on average.

More than 201,000 visitors borrowed over 94,000 items last year, she said. The libraries hosted 2,500 programs with 98,000 attendees. More than 21,000 community members used the public computers, and librarians shared outreach programs with 18,439 people at daycares, assisted-living facilities, and community events

Early voting is February 7-10 from 10 AM to 5 PM.