501-918-3025
calsfoundation@cals.org
calsfoundation@cals.org
CALS millage passes!
On November 9, Little Rock voters went to the polls to vote on whether to increase the operational millage rate in the city. We are excited and gratified by the results. The measure was passed with roughly 71 percent of the vote!
The support CALS received from Little Rock voters underscores what I’ve always believed: public libraries are still widely recognized as essential to a vibrant community. The vote in Little Rock demonstrates clearly that voters want CALS to be a thriving part of our city, and that CALS staff are dedicated public servants delivering first rate services and materials in fine libraries all around the city.
The library has not had an operations tax increase since 2007, but has added new libraries, meeting rooms, and a theater. The global pandemic that we are all still managing accelerated the growing demand for costly digital materials, particularly popular e-books and audiobooks. A third of this money will go toward creating a more robust collection of digital and print materials with additional copies of the most popular titles. The other largest portion of the funds will go toward ensuring that our devoted, skilled staff is paid a living wage. With the remainder of the funds designated toward deferred building maintenance and upgrading the technology at each branch to enhance the patron experience.
Our goal is to continue to provide an ever-evolving array of programming and services that our patrons want and have grown to depend on from CALS. Now, because of your investment, CALS can strengthen and expand our efforts to support aspiring entrepreneurs, students, and those who just need a helping hand.
We thank you for showing up at the polls and confirming with your votes that you trust CALS with your tax dollars to continue providing a public library that is a source of pride in our city and delivers what you expect.
Nate Coulter
CALS Executive Director
