Vote "Yes" for a new
Novi Public Library

10/31/07

On Tuesday, November 6th, Novi residents will be asked to approve a bond issue to build a new Novi Public Library - a bond issue the city expects to be able to cover through existing taxes.

There are several reasons we need a new library. Most importantly, as Novi has grown in the past twenty years, our library hasn't. Most libraries in  surrounding communities have about 1 square-foot of space per resident. Novi currently has half that.

The proposed new library will have twice as much space, more room for books, more computers, additional parking, and more meeting room. In short, in will no longer be an embarrassing little building in front of our beautiful high school. It will be a modern, functional library serving the needs of our community.

Folks, this is a win-win for the People. We get a new library and it is likely you won't even have to pay for it. The Novi City Council believes the city can pay for this bond, without raising taxes, through ongoing careful balancing of the city budget. Novi has always been good at this.

Novi Mayor David Landry explains, "I think we could issue the bonds for a new Library and, as it stands right now, pay off those bonds without raising taxes. However, all I can do is work off the facts as I know them to exist today. I can and should plan for the future but I cannot guarantee the future."

Landry has been in Novi politics for a while now, and in our observation he has always been a man of his word, and a very smart man at that. We have absolutely no reason to doubt him now. If he says this will work, it will in all probability work.

We the People believe an expanded library is critical to Novi's future. It enhances the city's image, which enhances property values. It provides resources and services to those in town who need them. It is a necessary part our our community.

Novi deserves a new library. Vote "Yes" on Tuesday, November 6th. But above all, vote.

 p.s. - Kudos to our Novi Public Library staffers for keeping our community library running smoothly with the small facility they have to work with today.