Brentwood Voters to Consider Library Tax Levy Increase

On May 23, the trustees of the unanimously passed a resolution calling for an election on August 7 for an increase in the library’s tax levy.

Residents of the Brentwood Library District will be asked to consider Proposition L, which calls for an increase of a nickel from the current Library District tax rate of 25 cents—the last increase was in 1984.

For perspective, a 5 cent increase in the tax rate equates to an additional $19 annually on a $200,000 home.

The Brentwood Public Library opened its door to the citizens of Brentwood on September 18, 1938, with 1,100 books and 85 cents in its treasury. Today 75 percent of residents have a library card.

Next year the library will celebrate its 75th anniversary and though there are nearly 50,000 items, the treasury is empty. Much of the library’s reserves were depleted in 2004 when the library was renovated.

With the additional funds the library will restore its materials budget to the 2005 level, increase programs and services, reinstate two staff positions and begin to rebuild its reserves.  

“The Brentwood Library is a true treasure," Sheila Lenkman, Library Board President said, "a place that has benefited many generations of Brentwood residents and, I believe, will continue to do so for years to come because residents are committed to, and love, their library.”

To learn more about Proposition L, call Library Director Vicki Woods (963-8633) or visit the Brentwood Library website at www.brentwood.lib.mo.us.

Woods supplied information for this article to Patch.