The Superior District Library, a system of eight libraries in Chippewa and Mackinac counties in the Upper Peninsula, has put a new millage proposal on the Feb. 27 ballot.
The millage calls for an increase on the tax-rate levied on homeowner's property, bringing it up to 0.99 cents for every $1,000 of property value.
According to the ballot "...a renewal of the millage rate that expires in 2024 and .50 mill is new additional millage, against all taxable property within the Superior District Library district for a period of ten (10) years, 2025 to 2034, inclusive, for the purpose of providing funds for all district library purposes authorized by law?"
The funds will be used to increase employee wages, buy more books for patrons and provide additional programming for the library system's 40,000 residents.
"There are things that need to be updated and upgraded in every library essentially, especially when it comes to technology and internet services," said Robert Vaught, superintendent of DeTour Area Schools.
Vaught also said the DeTour Public Library is used by not only students, but rural residents who don't have access to high-speed internet and by passing ship captains who need to get weather updates or print maps.
Of the eight libraries, four of them are a part of local community schools, such as the DeTour Public Library, the Drummond Island Library, the Engadine Library and the Mollie R. Kahl Community Library in Rudyard.
"They bring in science week, and then they do special guest readers," said Tom McKee, superintendent of the Rudyard Area Schools. "One of the bright spots is all of our elementary kids still have [a] library and they go in there and the librarian sits in a rocking chair and reads them."
Mckee added that libraries are a vital necessity for students to learn new hobbies, develop new skills and provides a safe learning environment.
According to the National Association of Independent Schools, librarians are trained specifically to help students with their academic work and provide stress-relieving supports for students to access.
"We're providing programs that are seen as valuable to the community," said Lisa Waskin, director of the Superior District Library. "People want to connect to other people, and this provides a really safe space for that."
Early voting begins Saturday, Feb. 17 and ends on Sunday, Feb. 25. Election day is on Tuesday, Feb. 27.
Libraries are welcoming to everyone, Waskin said. "It doesn't matter how much money you make, it doesn't matter your education level, it doesn't matter who you vote for, what church you go to," she said.
