What is Issue 18?

• Issue 18 is a new 1-mill capital levy for Akron-Summit County Public Library that will be on the May 6, 2025, ballot.
• If approved, the funding will be used to make necessary repairs and improvements to buildings.
• The average age of Library buildings is 24 years old, and, with millions of visits over the years, they are showing their age.
• From 2022 through 2024, the Library has invested more than $6.13 million in maintaining and repairing its buildings.
• The cost of Issue 18 to the owner of a $100,000 home is $35 per year, or less than $3 per month.
• The last time the Library asked voters for capital funding was in 1997, more than 28 years ago.
• Ohio’s public libraries do not receive separate funding for facilities and have been excluded from applying for State of Ohio capital funds.
• Without levy funds from Issue 18, the Library will not be able to make needed repairs or modernize buildings to keep pace with ever-expanding community needs.

10 Reasons to USE your Akron-Summit County Public Library:

1. Wide Range of Resources – Free use of millions of items including physical books, eBooks, downloadable audio, streaming video, and research databases. The Library welcomed more than 1.4 million visitors and checked out nearly 4.6 million items in 2024.
2. Engaging Early Childhood Programs – The Library hosts over 2,000 storytimes each year, helping infants, toddlers, and preschoolers develop early literacy skills through books, songs, and rhymes. It’s a fun and educational way to introduce young children to the world of reading!
3. Convenient Access to Multiple Locations – With 18 branches across Akron and Summit County and Main Library in Downtown Akron, it’s easy to find a location near you.
4. Free High-Speed Wi-Fi – Free access to high-speed Wi-Fi at all Library locations, making it easy to work, study, or connect online without any cost-- or pressure to buy something!
5. Widely Trusted Resource – With over 280,000 registered borrowers in 2024, the Library is a trusted and popular resource in the community, offering a vast range of materials for a variety of needs and preferences.
6. Workforce Development –Library staff provide assistance to customers with applying for jobs, researching companies, writing resumes, and learning interviewing skills. The Library also has a working partnership with OhioMeansJobs to provide one-on-one assistance for job seekers on-site at multiple Library locations.
7. Innovative Makerspace – The TechZone@Main makerspace equipment was reserved more than 3,400 times in 2024, providing community members with access to technology and tools for creativity, innovation, and small business support.
8. Meeting Room and Auditorium Availability – With over 7,500 reservations for meeting rooms and the auditorium in 2024, the Library provides a versatile space for meetings, events, workshops, and community gatherings.
9. Community Involvement – The Library actively participates in the community through partnerships with organizations, including schools, neighborhood groups, non-profit organizations, and chambers of commerce. For the past two years, the Library has hosted Summit County Jobs and Family Services at several locations to provide office hours.
10. Inclusive Services – The Library serves a widely diverse community including children, students, homebound individuals, job seekers, and seniors, providing resources for all age groups and abilities.