Keep treasure open

Many of us carry a blue key in our wallets or purses, capable of unlocking a virtual treasure trove. But the lock to that treasure trove could become hopelessly rusted unless voters approve Issue 35 next week.

The blue key is an Oberlin Public Library card, granting its holders access to the wonderful store of books, DVDs, CDs, periodicals, and services of the library and The Bridge. Inside the treasure rooms a staff of eager guides are more than happy to lead visitors through stacks of valuables to find that special gem.

Other staff and volunteers sit with small children, showing them the wonderful treasures, hoping they will one day ask for their own keys. And computers at the library and The Bridge serve as portals to other stores of treasure around the world.

But access to these treasures is threatened by a flood of red ink passed down by the state to libraries around the state. That red ink threatens to rust the tumblers of the lock unless other funds can be found to lubricate them.

Issue 35 would provide the necessary funds to maintain current services. The five-year, 1.5-mill levy would represent very little increase in property taxes, because the 20-year bond issue approved by voters to build the current library building is going off the books at the end of this year.

In the current economy, we can not afford to lose the treasure that is the Oberlin Public Library. We urge voters to vote yes on Issue 35.