Letters to the Editor: Ida Rupp library levy has supporters

Libraries are a community asset

The Ida Rupp Libraries are more than places to borrow books. In our small towns of Port Clinton, Marblehead and Put-in-Bay they are community centers. They are administered by dedicated and helpful neighbors and supported by equally dedicated volunteers.

Complaints about content and access, whether they are founded or unfounded, have been addressed book-by-book in a thorough, professional manner. If there are any doubts about those who make decisions about our libraries, they should be assuaged.

If there are still concerns, it is within each individual’s power to choose how to use and not use our libraries, our community centers, without infringing on the rights and privileges of others.

Thank you to our library personnel for all you do for our communities.

Vote yes for the library levy renewal.

Donna Lueke

Marblehead

Communities need to support Ida Rupp replacement levy

From one-on-one tech help to programs for all ages to internet and computer access to research materials, the Ida Rupp Public Libraries in Port Clinton, Marblehead and Put-in-Bay do so much good in the community and are a critical resource for area residents.

I am writing to express my support for the libraries’ replacement levy on the Nov. 7 ballot. The levy accounts for 54% of the libraries’ funding. Without it, operations and needed services likely would be cut, which would hurt the community.

The group campaigning against the levy lists numerous books at the libraries with which it takes issue, wants moved to the adult section and labeled for mature readers. The libraries have a procedure for asking that these items be moved or completely removed, and no one —not this group nor anyone else — has filed any complaints regarding these books. I have confirmed this through a public records request on Oct. 16 that covered the past 8 months.

The group additionally was against the Kaleidoscope youth LGBTQ+ program that took place annually at Ida Rupp, most recently in April 2023, and made accusations regarding this program.

Kaleidoscope, which is based in Columbus, was planning to attend the Oct. 12 library board meeting to talk about its programming and perhaps address these concerns. Due to the vitriol of the situation, Kaleidoscope and the library board determined the environment was not safe for it to present at the board meeting or continue the teen program in the future.

This is very disappointing.

The libraries are for everyone, no matter their gender, sexual orientation, race or ethnicity, and are gems for our community. Please vote yes on the replacement levy.

Kristina Smith

Port Clinton

Ida Rupp library is spectacular asset

I am writing to urge you to vote to approve the replacement levy for the Ida Rupp Public Library in Port Clinton. Our library is spectacular. There are books, magazines and DVD’s on free loan and current newspapers to read free every day. I walk in about once a week and walk out carrying things to use without paying a cent — definitely the best bargain in town.

For decades the voters of Port Clinton have vigorously supported library levies. This time, though, there has been a bunch of nasty, rude people going to library board meetings, trying to seize control and insisting that many of the books housed there be removed and banned.

When that ploy did not work, this cadre of non-thinkers began promoting a vote against the library. The yard signs you see urging a no vote are the work of people who actually want to “ban” books. They want to tell you what you can or can’t read. They want to eliminate your right to free speech.

I illustrate the stupidity of these loud-mouthed “no” people with this anecdote about two Port Clinton people. One I’ve known for 60 years and the other for about 20 years. I’ve never seen either of them in the library.

Yet they both have “no” signs in their lawns. So, these two people (and others like them) do not use the library at all. But they want to tell the rest of us what can or cannot be on the shelves there. I find that ludicrous. I consider it a violation of my rights to read and study what I please.

Please support the continued good work of our excellent library by voting yes on Nov 7.

Virginia M. Park

Port Clinton

Deadline set for political letters

Those who wish to write Letters to the Editor pertaining to the Nov. 7 General Election issues and races must submit them for consideration by 9 a.m. Oct. 30 to The News-Messenger or News Herald.

Letters are limited to 300 words and must include the writer's name, city and a phone number. The news staff will call to confirm the letter with the writer. Only the person's name and city will appear in print with the letter.

Emailing letters is recommended; send them to fre-newsdesk@gannett.com or to pcnewsdesk@gannett.com.

The News-Messenger/News Herald

This article originally appeared on Fremont News-Messenger: Letters to the Editor: Ida Rupp library called community asset