PORTLAND – A measure on the latest ballot is hitting home for many parents who use libraries across Multnomah County.
Libraries are an extension of the classroom for many parents, especially during the summer.
Now, some worry that more than half the library services and hours could be cut if the 3-year levy is not renewed by taxpayers.
The Lyon family takes three-year-old Zinnia to the library at least three times a week. They said it’s invaluable.
“Right when we walked in she said, ‘I love this place!’ We don't have cable. We would rather have our kids interact with us and with books,” Zinnia’s mom Laurie said.
The levy is a three-year, 89 cent renewal, so there’s no increase to what taxpayers are already giving.
Without the levy extension, the summer reading program, story time, and library hours could be cut. The reading program alone serves 100,000 area kids.
School officials have said that they would also lose out if the measure fails because teachers often use library books to supplement their curriculum.
"Just having the kids have more resources is always better and provides a richer educational experience," explained librarian Kiva LilJequist.
So far, there’s no organized opposition.
(KGW reporter Abbey Gibb contributed to this report.)
