But this tax is about to expire, essentially eliminating $6.2 million in library operating funds, more than 20 percent of its budget. To prevent this from happening, voters are being asked to renew the parcel tax—$25 per home, with annual adjustments for inflation capped at 3 percent—for 10 more years. But the measure still needs two-thirds voter approval for passage.

Maintaining the high quality of services and materials available for $25 per year should be a slam dunk for voters. That's why the Willow Glen Resident is urging residents to vote yes on Measure S this election.

Without these continued funds, the Willow Glen library branch will face serious reductions in services that include a decrease of up to two-thirds in the number of new items purchased. Staffing will also be cut, which would affect the number of hours the library is open. Six days a week could drop to five or fewer. And fewer hours mean youth have reduced access to computers and study materials. And children, who count on the library as a safe place to go to after school, will be forced to look for other afternoon options. Without these funds, many of the library's coveted preschool and young children's story time hours could also be severely cut back.

Yet it's obvious that the community relishes what the library has to offer, with an 87 percent increase in Willow Glen borrower usage since the passage of the 1994 parcel tax.

The Willow Glen branch is also planning to expand its facilities in the next few years, but without the passage of Measure S, purchasing new materials for the extra space will be a struggle.

For $25 a year, where else can you get unlimited access to books, the Internet, CDs, DVDs, research materials and more? It's one of the best bargains in town and one we should continue to fund.

This Nov. 2, vote yes on Measure S.