BY TRACY LEE TATE
Special to the Times
The Union County Public Library first opened its doors on March 1, 1990, after a referendum was passed for the ½ millage ad valorem tax for the library’s local funding.
In order to continue funding through the ad valorem taxation, voters must approve the library referendum every two years.
Additional funding is received each year from the State Aid to Libraries grant. The library’s funding helps with the daily operation of the library, including staffing, materials, programming, technology needs, utilities and more.
Without the local funding that comes from the ad valorem tax, the Union County Public Library would not qualify for the state funds.
The library has grown significantly in its 34 years of operation. Over 40,000 items are housed in the library, including books, newspapers, books on CD, DVD’s, Wonderbooks and more. Additionally, library patrons have free access to several online databases and e-books via the library’s website, www.UnionCountyPublicLibrary.org. The Library offers computers for public access, as well as free wireless access for its customers.
The public library’s youth services department continues to grow with each passing year, offering weekly preschool Storytime and bi-weekly after-school programs. The library also provides an outlet for teens with craft and activity events and hosts a club for local high school students—the Junior Friends of the Library. This group not only plans many fun activities but also participates in volunteer projects for the library.
The library building grew significantly in size when a new facility was built in Lake Butler in 2009. The new library was funded through a State Construction Grant, the sale of the old library, individual donors, years of fundraising efforts, and additional support from the Union County Board of Commissioners. The referendum that will be on the ballot on Aug. 20, 2024, is not an increase in taxes but simply a continuation of funding for the Union County Public Library and the community it serves.
