Many of our patrons will see the Plain City Public Library Levy on their November 5th, 2024 ballots. This levy is a renewal of the existing Library Levy, not a new tax.

55% of the library’s annual funding in 2023 came from a local property tax levy. This is compared to 44% of funding which came from state funds and other regular income and miscellaneous funds which make up about 1%.

Why is this levy renewal so important?

Since 2000, regular operating expenses are up nearly 200%. Unfortunately, state funding has declined further in 2024.

Levy funds support many community services such as:

Early literacy initiatives and summer reading

Technology training for adults

Enrichment and social activities for families

Aides for educators and deliveries to students

Educational and STEAM programs for all ages

Access to millions of free books, movies, music titles, games, and much more

Losing levy funds would be catastrophic to current services

Questions answered

1. This is NOT a new levy. This is a renewal for an existing 1.5mil levy that is set to expire in 2025.
2. Ohio Revised Code (3375.17) currently restricts how our library may levy taxes. Since the library seeks revenue for general operations, a property tax is the only permissible type of levy.
3. The library has NOT received corporate donations in lieu of property tax for abatements granted by county, township, or municipal governments.
4. Books & other materials are NOT free for the library, and digital content often costs 4 times more than print material.
5. Except for certain new construction, the library does NOT receive revenue from property tax bill increases due to higher property values.
6. The library pays monthly bills for non-discounted utilities including electric, telecommunications, water, gas, refuse, and recycling. In some cases, the library is even charged commercial rates which can be higher than residential rates.
7. The library is a stand-alone entity, serving multiple counties. We are not part of, or funded by, any county office, municipal office, public school district, or larger library system.
8. The library’s 2024 facility expansion was donor funded and the library will begin operating the new space in 2025 without additional revenue due to a reallocation of resources. This levy renewal is for current and continuing operating expenses.

For more information

Go directly to the source: contact Library Director, Chris Long at 614-873-4912, ext. 123 or via email at clong@plaincitylib.org.

Join us for the Grand Opening of the Perry Yoder Workshop and Community Room!

Friday, March 7
3:00-5:00pm

This event is open to the public and will include tours of this new library space and equipment demonstrations. The first 100 visitors who show their Plain City Public Library card will receive an exclusive PCPL tote and one lucky winner will receive a gift basket full of DIY “blanks” supplies for use in The Workshop.

No registration is required. Tote bag giveaway is limited to PCPL card holders only, one tote bag per family. 

10/2024 Construction progress

3/2024 The Library will break ground this month on a building expansion which will include a workshop maker-space, community meeting room, recording studio, and drive through pick-up window. This project was made possible by a donation from Perry Yoder, a local retired business owner and library supporter.

Construction is scheduled to begin in March 2024. Check this page for updates as this project progresses.

Press

Madison Messenger: “Local businessman’s donation helps to make library expansion possible“

The Plain City Public Library Board of Trustees is seeking a new member. Prospective members must be residents of the Jonathan Alder School District.

For more information about the Library Board and how to apply please click the button below. All further questions can be directed to Library Director Chris Long at clong@plaincitylib.org.

Update: Donate Your Used Eclipse Glasses

Used eclipse glasses can be dropped off at the Plain City Public Library during open hours of Monday-Thursday 10am-8pm and Friday-Saturday 10am-5pm. Eclipse glasses will be donated to locations in need around the world through the Astronomers Without Borders Solar Glasses Recycling And Distribution Program. PCPL will continue to collection glasses through April 13, 2024.

2024 Total Solar Eclipse

On Monday, April 8, 2024, a total solar eclipse will cross North America with much of Ohio in the path of totality. During this rare event, the moon is positioned between Earth and the sun and casts a shadow over Earth, plunging Earth into near total darkness.

You can find more information about the solar eclipse, including facts, a totality map, and safety tips at: https://ema.ohio.gov/media-publications/ohio-total-solar-eclipse

Solar Eclipse Events

The Library will offer several events in the weeks leading up to the total solar eclipse, including:

2024 SOLAR ECLIPSE: A presentation by Don Stevens of Perkins Observatory
Tuesday, March 12 at 6:30pm
Learn about the upcoming solar eclipse, viewing safety, and more from Don Stevens of Ohio Wesleyan University’s Perkins Observatory.

TAKE & MAKE: SOLAR ECLIPSE – Sun, Moon & Constellation Investigation
Pick up a Take & Make kit with everything you need to create a constellation projector and learn about solar and lunar eclipses. Available for pickup at the library beginning Friday, March 15th while supplies last.

SPACE VR EXPERIENCE: Explore Space in Virtual Reality
Tuesday, March 19 by appointment
Experience the vastness of the universe using virtual reality, with a variety of apps to choose from.

SOLAR ECLIPSE T-SHIRT 
Wednesday, March 20 from 6:00pm-7:00pm
Bring your own plain black shirt and use fabric paint and stencils to make an eclipse design.

SPACE STORY SPECTACULAR 
Thursday, March 21 at 6:30pm
A special interactive and educational evening of stories. Learn about space through stories and activities that are out-of-this-world fun! For ages 8 and under and their families.

Solar Eclipse Glasses

It is never safe to look directly at the sun. Experts recommend that those wanting to view the solar eclipse wear NASA-approved solar eclipse glasses or create an eclipse viewer.

A limited number of NASA-approved solar eclipse viewing glasses are available to established Plain City Public Library cardholders and residents of the Jonathan Alder Local School District. To receive solar eclipse viewing glasses, visit the Library in person and show your Plain City Public Library card or proof of residency. Each household will be eligible to receive 2 pairs of glasses. Solar eclipse glasses will be available while supplies last.

In lieu of glasses, plans for a simple DIY eclipse viewer can be found here.