The Plain Dealer ran an article in the Metro section today entitled, Public libraries boom as economy grinds. Libraries provide materials and services that people need when they are faced with difficult times and this article highlighted just a few of them. The Twinsburg Public Library, not unsurprisingly, was mentioned among other Cleveland area libraries providing great service during economic downturns.

Ohio libraries are among the best in the nation. The good news is that for just a few dollars a month, the Twinsburg Public Library can continue providing great service. Be sure to vote YES next Tuesday, August 5th!

Absentee Voting
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If you will not be in town to vote on Tuesday, August 5, 2008 for the
Special Election, you can pick up an Absentee Application at our
Circulation desk or download an absentee ballot request at
http://www.summitcountyboe.com/

The Board of Elections website states:
Voters should request an absentee ballot as early as possible in order
to meet the return deadline.

· Mail-in Applications must be received by noon on the Saturday prior to
the election you wish to vote in.

· We can not accept faxed absentee requests. They must be mailed.

· The last day for Absentee Voting is the Monday before the close of
business, prior to Election Day.

· Do not drop your Absentee Ballots off at your polling location. They
will not be counted.

· All ballots must be received by 7:30pm at the Summit County Board of
Elections on Election Day.

Here is a short video with information regarding the levy:

Support your Library and enjoy a great meal at 10% off (drinks not included) at the Blue Canyon Kitchen & Tavern Sunday, July 20th through Wednesday, July 23rd. Dine inside anytime after 5 p.m. during TPL Week (discount not valid for diners on the patio).

Blue Canyon will donate a portion of your purchases to benefit the Citizens Supporting Twinsburg Public Library. Call (330) 486-2583 for reservations and mention the Twinsburg Public Library.

Coupons for 10% off your meal during this promotion are available at the Library. Remember to vote YES on Tuesday, August 5th.

Here are nine ways libraries can help you get through our country’s economic slowdown:

1. Try it before you buy it. Money is tight. Don’t buy a CD, DVD, or book without “test-driving” it first. Come to the library and borrow it to see if it’s a purchase that is right for you. If they don’t have it, they’ll try their hardest to get it for you.

2. Two words: FREE INTERNET.

3. Bolster your business. We have access to “subscription only” databases and expensive research tools that will help you reach new and different markets, even during tough times.

4. Get the skills you need. Libraries offer classes on a variety of topics. Pick up your library newsletter, listen to their podcasts or visit their website. You’ll quickly find you can learn new things ranging from basic computer skills to learning sign language to how to start a business.

5. Find entertainment. Libraries offer classes, events and activities for children and adults, almost always at no cost. A fun night out doesn’t need to be an expensive night out.

6. Hold meetings that get results. Libraries often offer low-cost or no-cost meeting spaces. Whether you’re a school group trying to develop a fundraiser or a CEO trying to launch a business, stop in to see if you can hold your meeting at the library.

7. Be a well-informed investor. The library has up-to-date stock market information that will help you get through tough times. Make smarter investment decisions with the most current financial information.

8. Find a new job, a better job, or a different job. Use computers, books, newspapers, and more to find a employment and build resumes and cover letters.

9. Regain a sense of community. Feeling a bit disconnected during tough times? Libraries are places where communities come together. Stop in and take a moment to take in the action… you’ll find it abuzz with information, people, and possibilities!

The Twinsburg Dairy Queen will be hosting a special fundraiser and public information night for the Citizens Supporting Twinsburg Public Library Committee on Wednesday, June 25 from 5 to 8 p.m. Please support the committee by patronizing DQ on the 25th and mentioning the library. Representatives from the library and the committee will be on hand to answer any questions you might have about the upcoming Library Levy Issue #3, that will be voted on August 5, 2008.

Bertram Rantin, columnist from The State, mentions how Libraries are the place to be during economic downturns.

Today’s Dear Abby column contained a letter from Book Mom in Texas that recommended a simple no-cost solution to parents wondering how to keep their children entertained during the summer months. She suggested that they visit their local library for free summer programs and books for children and adults.

So far this summer, 1400 children have signed up for the summer reading club at the Twinsburg Public Library. Teens are putting on a play and volunteering to help families register for programs and activities. Adults are busy signing up for their own reading club, computer classes, and book discussions.

Proceeds from the Friends of the Library monthly book sales and gift shop pay for summer programs and those incredible gift baskets and prizes that adult club members have the opportunity to win.

Welcome to the Citizens Supporting Twinsburg Public Library Blog. We are asking residents of the City of Twinsburg, Twinsburg Township, and the Village of Reminderville to show their support of the Twinsburg Public Library by voting YES for the new operating levy on Tuesday, August 5, 2008.

We realize that Ohio’s economy is more than a little sluggish and that times are tough for many of us, but the Twinsburg Public Library is one government agency that gives back to the community much more in actual services and materials than tax dollars expended. How is this possible, you may ask?

Last week I checked out two books (one on gardening and one on decorating) that would have cost me $42.67 from Borders even with a 30% discount, four DVDs that would have cost me $3.95 each ($15.80 total) to download using iTunes, and three audiobooks that would have cost me $88.00 to download using audible.com. One week’s use of the library saved me $146.47.

Even if I went to the library only once a month, I would see a savings of $1,757.64 ($146.47 x 12 months) or more than ten times the value received in what I pay in taxes. And the good news is – the more I use the Library, the more I receive in value!

To determine your own Return on Investment in library services and materials follow this Link.