By Paige Nash
Webster Parish residents turned out at the polls on Saturday, March 25, to vote on the only proposition on the ballot – the continuation of the current operating millage for the Webster Parish Libraries system.
“When our libraries are put on the ballot for continued funding, the value of our libraries in the eyes of the people we serve is directly reflected by the outcome,” said Director of Webster Parish Libraries Savannah Jones. “The results determine not only the library system’s future, but the future of all local communities and the people within them. Our libraries serve as a driving force toward success starting with the individual. All people, regardless of situational circumstances, have access to the tools necessary for academic and personal growth. Not only does this growth directly benefit the individual, but it indirectly develops a stronger, thriving parish.”
Voters from all 49 precincts in the parish cast their vote passing the 12.39 millage by a wide margin with 79.43 percent voting yes and only 20.57 voting against it. This critical operating millage will stay in place over the next 10 years making up 97 percent of the library’s revenue stream. These funds go toward library services, human capital, fixed costs which include communication software/services and maintenance for all 7 locations throughout the parish including the Minden Main Branch, Cotton Valley, Doyline, Heflin, Sarepta, Sibley and Springhill.
“As a library system, success is measured by the ability to positively impact the lives of the people you serve,” said Jones. “This impact extends well beyond the individuals who regularly visit their local libraries, and the ultimate goal is to strengthen and empower surrounding communities. Your local libraries are doorways that lead to new opportunities, whether it is by putting people on the path to literacy, advancing technological know-how in a technology-driven world, or by providing the means to advance one’s career. Libraries are community hubs that connect people to people and people to resources. It’s a vital support system and one that cannot exist without the support of the people it serves.”
All 7 locations offer many vital services to the public at no charge. They host a variety of year-round programs for children, teens and adults. The branches hold weekly events including club, group and board meetings, guest speakers, craft projects, informational workshops, game days, movie nights and more. This is in addition to many other essential services the libraries offer on a day-to-day basis.
“We know how important it is for people to stay connected within our communities. Our libraries provide a means to make those connections possible through the resources and services offered. In my opinion, Webster Parish Libraries serve as a catalyst that not only brings people, of all ages and backgrounds, together, but connects them to resources needed for success,” said Kim Sentell, Director of Marketing for Webster Parish Libraries. “Strong communities are made up of prospering individuals; libraries enhance the likelihood of prosperity by providing necessary tools that many may not otherwise have access to. Our library staff and board of directors are passionate about making sure our libraries meet the needs of our parish residents. Knowing that our communities support their libraries is touching beyond words. With the passing of the funding renewal, we can begin writing the next chapter for your libraries. We look forward to growing along with our local communities in the years to come.”
The Webster Parish Libraries are currently gearing up for their most popular event of the year – The Summer Reading Program. More information regarding the theme and dates will be released soon, but until then you can stop by the Minden Main Branch today (March 28) from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. to join Kaitlin Taylor for “Spring Fever Story Time” and flower crafts. The Springhill Genealogy Club will also be having local farmer, Tony Mullins, joining them at the Springhill Branch this evening from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. He will be speaking on the subject of brown cotton farming.