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Beacon Voters Should Support Howland Library
(Reprinted at the Request of the Author) To the Editor of the Southern Dutchess News:
On May 15th, voters in the Beacon City School District will have the opportunity to weigh in on an issue of importance to the community - a small (1%) increase to the budget of the Howland Public Library. The library has been operating on the same budget that was passed in 2004. Last year, the library had to cut operations and staff time by nine hours to keep up with rising costs.
Despite these cuts, library use remains strong. Over 14,700 people have current library cards. They use them to check out books, CDs and DVDs and to order materials online from home; to download audiobooks, to access the internet, and to use library resources online. Last year over 105,000 people visited the library.
This year, the Howland Public Library celebrates its 135th anniversary of service to the community. The library was here for your great-grandparents; with your support, it will be here for your great-grandchildren.
Gary J. Barrack Trustee & Chair, Library
Finance Committee Howland Public Library
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