Did you know that in 2023, our amazing patrons saved an astonishing $14,693,153.61 by borrowing from the library?
This impressive total doesn’t even include electronic resources! These numbers speak volumes about the incredible value our library brings to the community.
We invite you to come and experience the true value of your library, where the benefits extend far beyond the books, in 2024!
Assuming the figures are anywhere in the ballpark, and we do not quibble with APL’s numbers, even the most ardent anti-deep stater has to concede the fine product that is our parish library system. Still, it is satisfying to see an expression of real value in return for the substantial investment in those institutions. Many kudos to the Library Board that voluntarily reduced an existing property tax millage, down from a combined 6.8 mills renewed in 2010 to 5.6 mills in 2020.
On August 15, 2020 voters (15.1% turnout) approved, with 67% in favor:
Shall the Parish of Ascension, State of Louisiana (the “Parish”), be authorized to levy and collect a 5.6 mills tax on all the property subject to taxation in the Parish (an estimated $9,535,200.00 is reasonably expected at this time to be collected from the levy of the tax for an entire year), for a period of ten (10) years, beginning with the year 2021 and ending with the year 2030, for the purpose of maintaining and supporting the Ascension Parish Library and its branches, such tax to be in lieu of the 2.6 mills and 4.2 mills taxes currently being levied for the same purpose?
The common public critique, not one without merit, over off-cycle elections is misplaced when it comes to the parish library. Consider the penultimate renewal elections in 2010 which saw a robust 47.3% turnout for November 2, 2010’s two elections. Ascension voters approved them (see below) with 69% and 67% majorities respectfully:
Shall the Parish of Ascension, State of Louisiana (the “Parish”), renew the levy of a two and six-tenths (2.6) mill tax on all the property subject to taxation in the Parish (an estimated $2,145,763.00 reasonably expected at this time to be collected from the levy of the Tax for an entire year), for a period of ten (10) years, beginning with the year 2011 and ending with the year 2020, for the purpose of maintaining and supporting the Ascension Parish Library and its branches?
and
Shall the Parish of Ascension, State of Louisiana (the “Parish”), renew the levy of a four and two-tenths (4.2) mills tax on all the property subject to taxation in said Parish (an estimated $3,466,231.00 reasonably expected at this time to be collected from the levy of the Tax for an entire year), for a period of ten (10) years, beginning with the year 2011 and ending with the year 2020, for the purpose of maintaining and supporting the Ascension Parish Library and its branches?
Impossible not to note the astounding increase in the value of one mill worth of property tax over one decade. In 2010 a combined 6.8 mills was anticipated to generate $5,611,994 annually ($825,293 per mill). Fast forward to 2020 and the annual revenue generation projected from 5.6 mills was $9,535,200 ($1,702,714 per mill).
Four library branches, with another one on the drawing board in St. Amant…
Council approves deal to build St. Amant Library/Community Center
a multi-purpose facility designed to accommodate APSO and Ascension OHSEP efforts “during emergencies, such as floods, tornadoes, and hurricanes.” And AP Library will play a significant role in the Early Childhood Development effort on the west bank.
The value of Ascension’s public library system is undeniable.
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