Are libraries still important in the computer age?
This is actually a time of historic growth for the Dayton Metro Library. Last year, our users borrowed more than 7.6 million items, the first time we ever circulated seven million items in a year. There was an increase in the amount of books checked out by teens and children, showing that books are still vital and libraries are where young people get reading material. This year we are on pace to break that record, possibly going over eight million items. We also have more visitors than ever. Last year we had about 3.8 million visits and this year we are on pace to exceed four million visits. What happens if the levy does not pass? A failure of the levy will be a monumental disaster for the community. A loss of levy funds would result in the biggest cuts in the 150 year history of the Dayton Metro Library. Combining a failed levy with the cuts in state funding will result in a DML budget that is less than half of the 2008 budget. It would mean slashing the book and materials budget, eli
