Support Dover library levy renewal

I am the treasurer of the Friends of the Dover Public Library. I am sure you are aware of the valuable services offered by the library in our city.

The Friends of the Library are more than 230 members who help support the library’s programming for children, teens and adults.

More than just a depository for books and audio/visual media for circulation, our library also offers:

After-school tutoring services

Early childhood literacy services

Social activities such as game and trivia nights for teens and adults

After-school activities for students. Our library is directly across from Dover High School

Computer and technology services and equipment

Crafting and maker-space equipment

Notary services

Community room events such as special speakers, authors, Civil War Roundtable

Internet Hot Spots for those who cannot afford home internet services

Books on Wheels to home-bound patrons,

The library is truly a community resource and gathering place, fostering civic involvement and community pride. The Friends are proud to sponsor and/or contribute to most of these activities. However, the library is primarily funded from state funds (63%) and from a local operating levy (28%). That operating levy is up for renewal on the May 5 ballot. This levy is not a tax increase. Levy funds will be used for the purchase of materials, programming for all ages and services to the community, some of which are listed above. Without renewal of the levy, the library will have to make severe cuts beginning in 2027.

For each $100,000 of home valuation, the levy will cost a homeowner $2 per month. This is less than the cost of a monthly cup of coffee. And by the way, coffee is free for patrons at the library.

Dennis D. Traver

Dover