At the August 24, 2026 board meeting, the Crawford County Library District board will vote to reauthorize the coming year's tax levy. Currently, and since the inception of this district in 2017, the tax rate has been $.20 per $100 of assessed property evaluation.
There is a very vocal minority in the community who would like to see this tax rate lowered claiming it is a hardship for some economically. The average household pays about $40 a year in taxes to the library which is about the cost of two hardcover books or maybe food for three at a local fast food restaurant.
Did you know the Crawford County Library District provides books, movies, free WiFi, computers, copying equipment, on line streaming services, e-books, statewide interlibrary loans among 80 Missouri libraries, a full schedule of children's and adult programs like reading clubs, story hour, community outreach to local daycares and nursing homes, a library of things, which includes blood pressure cuffs, pickle ball equipment, fishing equipment, life vests, cooking equipment, karaoke equipment, etc.
Do you know how to print a document from your cell phone? The librarians can help you with that. Did you know that the library district has purchased a bigger building for the Bourbon branch and has plans to expand the library in Cuba?
Cutting the tax rate would reduce programming, services and future improvements to over 20,000 Crawford County residents. Remember, other than making copies, all services are free.
Rural libraries are not only institutions of knowledge, education and outreach, they are also especially invaluable to the economy, health and safety of the rural communities they serve. They can be a lifeline for many people. One resident was able to get her college degree using the library's computers.
If you would like to show your support of the current tax rate, send letters to: Crawford County Library District, PO Box 1250, Steelville, MO 65565. Send emails to: board@crawfordcountylibrarydistrict.org
If you can make it to the August 24 board meeting at 10 a.m. at the Steelville Library, that would be amazing. The hearing for the tax levy will be at 10:05 a.m. before the main meeting starts. Please support your library.
Ellen Bowles
Cherryville
