A $60,000 estimated increase in the Austin Public Library budget is mostly attributed to salary and utility costs; the majority of its $1.12 million request for city and county funding will come from local property and city taxes. County commissioners have warned the library board that excess funding may not be possible with a projected $32 million jail and justice center.

According to ilovelibraries.org, “81 percent, the bulk of public library funding, comes from the local tax dollars of the residents served.”

Despite the predicted demise of libraries due to the Internet boom, library visits in the United States increased 61 percent from 1994 to 2004.

Public libraries provide a free, educational service to everyone regardless of age, race, ethnicity or economic background.

The Austin Public Library is something this community can be proud of — it boasts an excellent selection of children and adult books, periodicals, media and a computer lab as well as children’s education, meeting rooms and knowledgeable staff.

Austin area citizens utilize this library — some everyday. Stop in for a visit and see the variety of people who take advantage of its services.

This resource should be treasured and maintained in the Austin community.