Support library, vote yes to tax question

Please join us in supporting our library on Nov. 4. Good public libraries help attract homebuyers and maintain property values. They are natural places that bring people together to build healthy, safe neighborhoods and networks. The library partners with schools and parents to help children develop into fluent readers, eager learners and to develop creative thinking skills. It provides a resource that seniors and others can use to keep mentally fit, to learn new tech skills, to keep in touch with ideas and people, and just to have fun. It provides valuable support for a thriving civic, cultural and economic community through its meeting rooms for area not-for-profits.

This referendum will help our library become more cost-efficient, cost-effective, with a greater ability to adapt to future community needs. It would fund investments in energy efficiency, environmental best practice, information and learning technology, modular space and equipment and books and media. (The library has been a good steward: it hasn't asked for an operating tax increase since the 1950s, and it's NOT asking for one now.) This is for building and infrastructure for our future.

Libraries stretch our dollars. This referendum would cost each homeowner less than a handful of DVDs or hardcover books - 1 percent of the property tax that you pay (not your assessed valuation). For most of us, that's less than $100. For more information, check out these Web sites barringtonarealibrary.com or libraryreferendumyes.com.

Our library is a prudent investment with many, many great returns!

Dick and Mindy Hogan

Barrington

Demetra Giannis, Judith Rich

Lake Barrington

Daria Sapp

Barrington Hills