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ESCANABA --

The library is home to a wealth of resources that include more than books. But library revenues have been in decline in the last few years.

There's a proposed overall blanket tax for everyone in Delta County for operation of both the Gladstone and Escanaba libraries. If you live within the city of Escanaba, your tax dollars help fund the library. Residents pay $27.78 a year.

But township residents receive library privileges without tax dollars.

There's a proposed county-wide millage. It would be .3 mil for five years. It's a way for everyone to participate in funding the library.    

“Even though they may not personally use it,” said Escanaba Library Director, Carolyn Stacey, “I think that they can agree that there are benefits to educating our children and to raising literate children and to having an informed society."

Darryl Shann is a member of the Friends of the Library Board.

“I've learned about how to restore a classic Thompson Boat, things like that,” said Shann. “Without having done it before, I still learn more hands on. However, reading about the topic helps when problems come up during the project."

In addition to tax dollars, the Escanaba Public Library is also funded by grants and private donations, and fines from traffic violations.    

“So when you hear someone talk about, well, there's a speed trap out there,” explains Delta CountySheriff, Gary Ballweg, “people think the officers are just putting the money into their own fund or something. That's far from the truth."

The proposed millage will generate $335,933 to be distributed between the Gladstone and Escanaba libraries.

Officials have gone to the Board of County Commissioners and requested that they place it on the ballot for an August election for the voters to decide.