Issues

Libraries

The whole time Chris led the group, “Support the Libraries, Not the Tax,” he was adamant that people knew he was in favor of growing the libraries. We can build new libraries without new taxes, and Chris’ plan for the libraries will do just that. 

We have to work smarter. We can have new, state of the art libraries with the abilities to accommodate the needs and demands of the community. Whether it is a child learning to read, or Dad continuing his education, Louisville’s libraries will be up to the challenge. 

Our libraries, like our parks, should be a shining example to the cities around us. The Thieneman Administration will make it a priority to build and maintain a state of the art and updated library system and we can do it without raising taxes. 
Here’s how.

1) Build our own, free-standing libraries where available. For example, in Valley Station, the city currently owns commercial property in the immediate vicinity of the current library branch. At the same time, the city of Louisville pays an out-of-town developer $23,000 a month rent, that is $276,000 per year in that one location. In a hypothetical, but completely realistic, situation, the city could build a $1 Million facility in Southwestern Jefferson County, completely mortgaged, and have it paid off in less than 10 years.

For our libraries, we have to consider the rent versus buy option. We cannot keep throwing money at a damaged and outdated system and expect it to fix itself. We must provide our people with the tools and resources to better the Louisville Free Public Library experience. 

2) The people of Louisville Metro do not have to bear the entire financial burden of improving the library system. We will create a position(s) within the LFPL dedicated to seeking out and/or establishing endowments for the Louisville library system. These endowments will allow the library to continually update their services and keep the circulation up to date and relevant.

While we cannot build a brand-new system overnight, we can begin making positive improvements immediately. 

It is with this ambition and belief in the future of Louisville that we make our library system a partner in a progressive effort to move Louisville forward. Programs like Read to Achieve and Library Champions encourage children to read and helps them build an appreciation for knowledge and education. We have to build on that encouragement.

With the help of neighborhood volunteers, we can provide afterschool tutoring for students who wish to excel in the classroom. We will continue the story time program. We can develop inexpensive and influential programs that will benefit library patrons and the surrounding community. 

Our libraries can be pathway to a better life for many people in Louisville. Together, we can make the Louisville Free Public Library a shining star in our community.