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ImageDear Editor,

I support the proposition to create an independent Lansing library by establishing the Lansing Community Library Center (LCLC) as a school district library. LCLC serves Lansing by providing access to over 13,000 books, videos, and DVDs, computers with high-speed Internet access, a weekly story hour for preschoolers, and the children's summer reading program. This and more, including a recent renovation and expansion costing $385,000, has been accomplished until now without taxpayer support.

Six years ago LCLC began as an all-volunteer effort; it has grown quickly and, as such, has succeeded in giving the Lansing community a debt-free gift in the form of a library that provides access to information and entertainment. The community response has been enthusiastic - so enthusiastic in fact, that the volunteers may no longer be able to meet the growing demands and expectations of the library's patrons.

As a result, LCLC volunteers are asking the Lansing voters to establish LCLC as a school district library, elect a Board of Trustees and to support a small tax levy. As a school district library, LCLC will then apply for a charter which will allow for additional income from Tompkins County and New York State, as well as make LCLC eligible for state and federal grant money. The tax money would be a stable source of yearly income that will allow LCLC to maintain building operations, add to the library's holdings, and, most significantly, hire a certified librarian. The acquisition of a certified librarian will enable LCLC to then meet the present and future demands and expectations of the community. The librarian will manage daily operations, assist patrons in locating information, and organize and direct the work of the still much-needed volunteers.

Having a strong community library is extremely important to me for many reasons. From the standpoint of a parent who was once new to the area, one of the first places I visited with my son was LCLC. I quickly met many wonderful people who welcomed me and assisted me in settling my family in Lansing. This library is at the heart of this town, both geographically and socially. From a money management perspective, for the cost of one good book ($25.50 per $150,000 assessed property value) my family can attend various free programs and events, as well as borrow books and other materials from the library itself or from the Finger Lakes Library System for an entire year. The quality and convenience of LCLC is well worth this small fee.

As a volunteer at LCLC for the past three years, I have enjoyed meeting the people of Lansing and assisting them by providing access to the resources of LCLC. I have also been privileged to work with and observe many of the extremely dedicated individuals who have made LCLC what it is today and who want to ensure its future success. The prospect of having a certified librarian at LCLC is very exciting to me as a volunteer and I look forward to many positive changes that will help me to provide improved service to our patrons. As a citizen, educating the members of our society is a top priority and the library is a cornerstone of education. Access to information provides knowledge. Knowledge provides for informed choices and thereby, power -- the power to achieve one's personal goals, as well as contribute to a strong democracy. On May 15th vote yes to make LCLC an independent library. Make it your library.

Michelle Calupca
Ithaca, NY 14850

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