Ali Harvey and Erin Butler love their library!
Photo credit: Andie Petkus Photography.
May 15, 2012 was an important day for the Friends of the Library and the Libraries Yes! Campaign. This was the day when voters decided on Measure 26-125, which renewed a levy that pays the majority of the Multnomah County Library operating budget. County residents voted with a resounding YES to support their public libraries. The election results were projected on the wall at the election night party at the Jupiter Hotel: 82.11% voted yes (increasing to 84.53% at the last update). What a resounding mandate for our libraries!
It was jubilant crowd at the Jupiter Hotel, even prior to the unofficial election results. With appetizers, beer and wine, photographers, and a DJ, the atmosphere was certainly celebratory. In addition to the County Commissioners, County Chair Jeff Cogan, Director of Libraries Vailey Oehlke, and Libraries Yes! Volunteers, there were also many Friends of the Library mingling and feeling satisfied about all the work put forth to support the Library. The big red heart with “My Library” emblazoned across it was a popular prop for Andie Petkus, who was taking photos at the event.
While this Library Levy passed with ease and fanfare, we’ve got a long way to go to secure permanent and stable funding for our library. The Friends hope that a permanent Tax District will be referred to November’s ballot by the County Commissioners. Considering the amount of services that Multnomah County Library provides our community, we feel that it’s imperative to keep the library funding situation at the forefront of voters’ minds. But we can breathe a little easier, for now.
