Endorsement: Sugar Grove library referendum

In one sense, the Sugar Grove Public Library's timing couldn't be better. The library's request for an operating rate increase fits in perfectly with its plans for a new building.

The money from the rate increase would start coming in July 2009, just months before the opening of the new building, which will have about 25,000 more square feet than the current one. The timing, of course, is not great for any referendum because of economic conditions. But that doesn't completely take away from the needs of a Sugar Grove institution that's woefully underfunded. The library has tried several times to increase its rate. The current bid is to move the rate to 25 cents per $100 of equalized assessed property valuation, which would cost $157 more for the owner of a $300,000 home.

Not cheap, but also consider that the current rate is much lower than neighboring communities. Cuts in programming and hours have resulted from previous ballot failures. Voters approved the new library -- now it's time to provide needed operating funds. We recommend a yes vote.