Library’s sales tax is well spent in Wimberley

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Dear Editor:

The report on your front page on March 21 about sales tax refund increases gave your readers valuable information about an important economic indicator concerning growth in the Wimberley area. You noted that the Wimberley Village Library District sales tax allocation was up by double digits and those checks have increased for six straight months compared to 2017.

I’d like to make three points regarding the library allocation increase. (By the way, the overwhelming majority of the funds received by the library district go to maintaining the existing operations of the library.)

First, the February allocation based on sales in December was about the same in terms of percentage rise as that of the city of Wimberley. That makes sense because both the city and the district collect from about the same number of businesses. It is important to remember, though, that the district collects only half of one percent on sales, tiny in comparison to other taxing entities.

Second, every dollar the library receives in sales tax revenue is put to good use. The district board of trustees has launched a fund-raising drive to build an expansion wing, and so some of that increased tax income is going toward architects and toward the purchase of about 2.5 acres of land just north of the present library location. Another large amount has been set aside for construction and for leverage to obtain grants and other funds we will need to make the $2 million expansion a reality.

Third, and equally important, the library continues to expand programs for adults and young people. For example, in 2017, the library offered 180 programs for young people; that number jumped to 192 last year. For adults, the library had 175 programs in 2017 and an astonishing 455 in 2018. Last summer alone, the youth department offered 58 free events that were attended by 2,569 people, an increase of 17 percent over 2017. In the summer reading program, participants read more than 6,760 books, another increase.

Libraries are the heart of their communities, and Wimberley Village Library is no exception. It is a gathering place for young and old and is an integral component in building a thriving town. The library continues to grow in every way with the desire to increase the size of its facilities to accommodate more programs for children and adults and to provide more free spaces for the community to have events and meetings.

If anyone has a question about the library, the expansion and how to help, please check out our website at www.wimberleylibrary.org or send us an email at [email protected]. We also have a Facebook page.

Carroll Wilson

Public Relations

Coordinator

Wimberley Village

Library Foundation