Because of thoughts and opinions in another post about the failure of Thrive and the Library System, I'd like to offer my own take, I retired from the Library's Business Office in 2023, and I'm a current member of the Library Board of Control.

Some, I know, will disagree with me, but that's okay. I'm not immune to constructive criticism and I welcome reasoned disagreement.

This will be much longer than a majority of posts, but I'll do my best to keep explanations and reasons brief.

Yes, the Library does have a large fund balance (retained earnings for any financial accounting types), with a primary reason being outcomes such as the one that happened Saturday night. The library keeps one year of operating expenses in advance, or "in the bank" to ensure the continuity of operations. Without this reserve, the EBR Library System would, for all practical purposes, close on December 31. However, with the fund balance that is already in place, the Library Board will remain open in 2026, and will go back to citizens with a new proposal that will hopefully be more acceptable to the voting public.

With that said, this library system has NO DEBT. You won't find any bonds (loans) issued for the purpose of building, renovating, or operating this system. Every building or improvement is financed on a "pay-as-you-go" method. On the day a new building opens, or is rededicated after a renovation, that building is fully paid and is debt free. Regarding future construction (new or additional buildings), one relocation/rebuild is currently planned for the Delmont Gardens Branch, and one new, smaller, "satellite branch" will be erected if/when a planned multi-use/multi-purpose development at the old Earl K Long hospital site is launched.

If you are the parent or guardian of teen or college-aged students, chances are they have used, or will use, one of the library's study rooms that allow them to come together to prepare for an exam, work on a group project, etc.

Sticking with the study rooms, those branches that do not currently have them are on a schedule for renovation, and study rooms added, based on an oldest-to-newest schedule. Just as the way we use or live in our homes has changed over time, so too are the ways we use libraries, and what we expect of them. Chances are, you may have grown up in a house with a separate living room, dining room, and kitchen. Now, though, at least according to the shows I've seen on HGTV, everyone seems to want open concept arrangements. Likewise, the library system is doing its best to keep up with changing times and expectations.

Some branches have added, or will add, "maker spaces," rooms or areas in which patrons, from young to old, can learn sewing, computer programming, robotics, and other hobbies and skills without requiring an initial investment in equipment. it's not totally free, as patrons are required to pay for robotic and Arduino kits, as well as materials used in 3-D prints, but they are spared the initial cost of sewing machines, computer hardware, 3-D printers, etc. Besides spreading knowledge, information, and free instruction, consider this a "try it before you buy it" program. If you don't care for it you're under no obligation to continue, or to watch items/equipment you no longer use gathering dust in some part of your house.

If you have a family member or friend in a nursing home, that loved one receives visits from the library's Outreach Division, allowing those individuals opportunities to check out the same materials available to those us who are younger and still self-sufficient.

For decades, the EBR Library has been much more than a book depository. Patrons can check out CD's, DVD's, magazines, games, and even works of art.

In addition to these tangible items, the library allows patrons to check out e-books for playback on a computer, tablet, phone, or other device. Current online magazines, identical to those in print, can be accessed if you don't wish to spend your money on a subscription.

Also, the library has many databases the public can use, some of which would be quite expensive for individuals to purchase or access individually. Want to check out your ancestry or heritage? The library has a subscription to Ancestry.com that is freely available to all patrons. Are you interested in the precise wording of a certain law or statute, or how it might apply to you? The library has a subscription to West Law. Would you like information regarding your vehicle to make an informed decision on perhaps tackling a repair or maintenance job yourself? Take a look at the extensive Chilton's repair manuals that are available. Want to help your teen pass their driving test and earn a license? Practice tests are freely available. These are only a sample of the online information or services which are available to patrons. In addition, homework help is available online for students from kindergarten through twelfth grade.

The library, whether in person, virtually, or livestreaming, hosts a variety of authors, business leaders, and other interesting people each month. A recent series from attorneys included discussions on bankruptcy, child custody and visitation, interdictions and guardianships, and wills, estates, and trusts. In person appearances are recorded and archived, and practically all of the virtual/livestreamed talks or sessions are stored for reference or future use/information as well.

The library hosts game nights (or days) for groups of all ages. Because of concerns that we're all too "wrapped up in our individual devices and/or interests," people can and do come together for a chance to interact with others, learn new games, and play old favorites.

Though I can't say "all," a vast majority of groups and clubs can freely book and use meeting rooms located at their closest library branch. HOA meeting for your subdivision? Sure. Hunting or fishing club meeting? Again, yes. That doesn't mean that (fictional) "ABC Multi-Level-Marketing Company" can book a room to entice people to join or become customers, but nearly all non profit, or not-for-profit groups can hold a meeting at a branch based on a meeting room's availability.

When the Library Board first planned and discussed this election and renewal of a property tax millage, the board intended to ask the public to approve a millage rate of 10.5. A month or so later, when Mayor Edwards and his Thrive supporters got involved, the rate went back to 11.1 mills, the rate which voters approved in 2015. So while technically Mayor Edwards asked voters to "approve the same rate as before," it WAS slightly higher than that which the Library Board had hoped to present to the public. Whether or not 0.6 mills is germane to your budget, I suppose, depends on your individual finances, but for the purposes of transparency, this was the board's plan.

For 40 years, when unencumbered with any other part of City-Parish government, voters graciously approved the millage rates and tax proposed by the Library Board of Control. Next year, perhaps as soon as the spring, and speaking as only one member of this board, I hope voters will have the opportunity to continue the library's secure and steady funding with "no strings attached." That is, without combining or tying the library's operations to, or with, other portions of City-Parish government.