Letter to the Editor: Vote ‘Yes’ on the Egg Harbor Library Referendum

Libraries are a staple for a community. People still read books and always will, but libraries offer so much more in this day and age. During the pandemic, Egg Harbor Library was to Mary Patza a “mind saver.”

Public libraries do not fund themselves. They never have and never will. The Kress Pavilion in Egg Harbor houses a special library. The building’s Great Hall, which is used for free movies and talks presented by the library, is also available for rent. This room rent offsets the personnel cost of the building manager and maintenance personnel, as well as some of the cost for heating and lighting the building.

This year, because of the pandemic, most of the rentals were lost, but the free programs went on virtually. The building was still open for limited computer use, and the outside porches were used for internet access – something that many of the patrons in Egg Harbor have limited or no access to. 

Egg Harbor’s library is a facility that gives pride to the people of Egg Harbor. It attracts businesses and residents alike. According to Dr. George Gorchynsky, the library is a “gem for our village, a welcome site for tourists and residents alike. The library is conducive to learning, provides a nice respite for villagers and tourists, and should be supported at all costs.”

The Village of Egg Harbor has put a referendum on the April ballot to ensure that the library will have the money needed to maintain its quality service. The referendum is asking for $30.24 a year for a $100,000 home. I feel that my library and its programs are worth $2.52 a month. Vote “yes” on April 6.

Judy Ortiz

Egg Harbor, Wisconsin