Resolution of the New Carlisle Public Library Board of Trustees

A signed .pdf is available at: http://www.ncpl.info/images/Resolution.pdf

A RESOLUTION OF THE NEW CARLISLE - OLIVE TOWNSHIP PUBLIC LIBRARY
TO OPPOSE THE CONSOLIDATION OF LIBRARIES IN THE STATE OF INDIANA

STATEMENT OF CONCERN

News of one of the charges given to the Indiana Commission on Local Government reform has caused great concern to the Board of Trustees of the New Carlisle - Olive Township Public Library. In the charge given by the Governor is the investigation into the consolidation of Public Libraries in the State of Indiana.

WHEREAS, a single “one size fits all” mentality is being applied to Libraries in Indiana.

WHEREAS, an “easy fix” has the potential to destroy the abilities and potential of many small and medium sized Libraries in the state and destroy the cohesiveness that is essential in small rural communities.

WHEREAS, consolidation has the potential to cost tens of millions of dollars to taxpayers in the short-term and would, in fact, take decades to see any savings in tax bills if at all.

WHEREAS, cooperation and the creation of cooperative consortiums will indeed provide both short-term benefits and long-term solutions without costing the taxpayers as much.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT:

The New Carlisle - Olive Township Public Library Board of Trustees firmly believe that the consolidation of Small and Medium Sized Public Libraries in the State of Indiana would be a detriment to the residents in the affected communities.

There has been submitted no substantive proof that the consolidation of Libraries in Indiana would save tax dollars.

Consolidation of Libraries could, in fact, cost taxpayers in the form of less service and less access to valuable information.

The Board of Trustees of the New Carlisle - Olive Township Public Library, St. Joseph County, Indiana voted on October 16, 2007 to request that there be no consolidation of Public Libraries in the State of Indiana, lest that those who wish to be allowed to do so.

PASSED AND RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE NEW CARLISLE - OLIVE TOWNSHIP PUBLIC LIBRARY, ST. JOSEPH COUNTY, INDIANA THIS 16TH DAY OF OCTOBER, 2007.

NEW CARLISLE - OLIVE TOWNSHIP PUBLIC LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES