LETTERS TO THE EDITOR: LIBRARY DIRECTOR EXPLAINS FEE

To the Editor:

The user fee policy for the Cape Girardeau Public Library, which went into effect on Oct. 1, has upset a number of city residents, and the Southeast Missourian has spoken to the issue in an editorial printed on Wednesday, Sept. 28. The decision by the board of trustees to implement this fee is based on the fact that the municipal library district no longer can afford to offer library services to areas where tax revenues support another library district. Further, it is not fair to the residents whose taxes support the municipal library district to continue to do so.

Although the number of people affected is relatively small, the potential for growth outside the municipal library district must be considered. In reviewing the budget and planning for the future of the Cape Girardeau Public Library, the board of trustees has taken action. It is their responsibility to set policy which insures that the library will be able to operate within its budget and meet the needs of those whose taxes support the library district.

As of 1965, Missouri law forbids the growth of municipal library districts. Because of this law, the tax district for the library remains the same, while the city of Cape Girardeau continues to grow. So, some addresses in Cape Girardeau, within the corporate city limits, are outside the boundary of the municipal library district. Real estate and personal property taxes from this area outside the municipal library district go to support the Riverside Regional Library.

The law passed in 1965 exists because county library districts throughout the state began to lose their tax base when cities with municipal library districts began annexing land. Because of the number and size of county library districts in the state, recent attempts by the board of trustees and others to change the law have not been successful.

This type of fee is assessed by other libraries in Missouri. Kirkwood Public Library, Hannibal Free Public Library, University City Public Library and Thomas Jefferson Library System all charge various types of library user fees ranging from $15 to $30 per year.

Until 1986, the Cape Girardeau Municipal Library District served all library users without charge except Illinois residents who did pay a fee as out-of-state residents. In 1986 the board of trustees implemented a policy which required that any resident outside the corporate city limits of Cape Girardeau would have to pay a fee to obtain a library card. It was at this time that the $24 fee was set. This amount was based on an average cost of real estate and personal property taxes and has remained the same since 1986. The current policy requires that anyone residing outside the municipal library district pay $24 per household, per year for a library card. The policy is necessary in order to offer the best possible service to the residents of the municipal library district whose taxes support the Cape Girardeau Public Library.

The Cape Girardeau Public Library has not had an increase in its tax levy since 1967 when it was set at .20 per $100 valuation. In fact, the levy has decreased. In 1986, when reassessment took place, the library rate was rolled back to .14 per $100. On the other hand, costs related to all aspects of library services continue to rise. The "Index of American Public Library Materials Expenditures" cites a 50 percent reduction in purchasing power for public libraries in the last decade. In spite of this, the Cape Girardeau Public Library continues to offer excellent programs, a wide variety of materials and ongoing service.

Anyone may use our services and materials in the library. We have computerized indexes, a word processor, reference materials, magazines, newspapers and genealogy materials for your use on the premises. We are happy to answer any questions or requests for information in person or on the phone. All are welcome to attend any library programs. There is no fee associated with any of these services. However, if you want to check out materials and you live outside the municipal library district, there will be a $24 fee per household. For less than the average cost for one hardback book, you will be able to check out books, tapes, videos, toys, games and compact discs during the year.

The staff and the board of trustees are pleased to have been able to serve the citizens of this area for many years and look forward to continuing to serve by maintaining quality library services.

Elizabeth Ader

Director

Cape Girardeau Public Library