Library system seeks bond issue on November ballot

The Toledo Lucas County Public Library board of trustees decided Thursday morning to move forward with a ballot initiative this fall to generate funds for continued capital improvements throughout the system.

Officials are seeking a 30-year bond issue that will generate $153 million over its lifetime. The exact millage has not yet been determined. If successful, the measure would cost the owner of a $100,000 home $34.95 each year.

The library system would use the monies raised by the bond for renovating, remodeling, furnishing, and equipping library buildings and facilities and acquiring and improving various locations.

This is the first bond levy the library has sought since 1995, when voters approved a 0.875-mill, 10-year capital bond issue that generated $38.6 million and helped fund the renovation or construction of multiple branch libraries across the county.