Now may be the worst time to ask taxpayers to approve a raise in local levies.

We’re in the middle of paying income taxes. We are all being hit by the recession. Spending more money on taxes is not a desirable prospect.

But hard times often mean that local, publicly funded services like libraries are used more. And more use means increased demand. And expanding services to meet that demand costs money.

State-wide, library use has increased, which is common during an economic downturn. The Orcas Library activity rates continue to rise each year, even before the recession, and it has one of the highest activity rates in the state. For some time, the public has been asking for more materials and more space to use them comfortably.

In response to this need, the library is considering an expansion to its facility. Plans have been drawn and they are being presented to the public. The library is clear that the project will not proceed without public support. In 2008, a Citizens Advisory Committee with members from the Library Board, the Friends of the Library, and members of the community, recommended that the library go forward with an expansion if all building costs were paid for by private donations. This provision is close to being met, with donors willing to foot most of the bill for the construction of an addition that would double public space and add more room for books, a quiet reading area, two small study rooms, a children’s wing, and restrooms. It is likely that they would need to do just a little additional fundraising.

The only catch is that with a larger space and collection comes higher operating costs. This would require that voters pass a levy lid lift, which could raise the current rate of 19 cents per thousand of assessed property value by two cents.

That is really not much at all. As an example, the library levy for a property valued at $500,000 would increase from $95 per year to $105 per year. That is just $10 more per year in property taxes.

When these kinds of tax increases come before voters, it’s important to think about the value of the service. The public library is used by nearly all segments of the community. It not only provides books, DVDs, videos, and books on tape to adults and children, it offers educational programs, ESL classes, a place to study and for groups to meet and hold discussions, access to the internet, and much more.

Orcas Library director Phil Heikkinen says there are many library users who cancelled their Internet service at home and rely solely on the library’s computer lab and its wireless Internet.

When we hear the word “levy lift” and “increased taxes,” no matter how small the amount, our hackles raise. But when you crunch the numbers and consider the importance of allowing our library to meet the community’s needs, it’s not a very big sacrifice.

After hearing community feedback, the library will make its decision on the project by this summer. If it does move forward, the levy lid lift will likely be on the November ballot.

If you support the expansion, let the board know now. Libraries are a hub of learning and socializing and are one of our most treasured public organizations. A good library – the kind Orcas has – is the heart of a community. And it takes our support to keep that heart beating.