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New library would benefit Boundary County

May 6, 2014
To the people of Boundary County,

As a long-time resident of Boundary County, I am keenly aware of the negative impacts of our struggling local economy. As a concerned taxpayer, I see how the shortage of living-wage jobs and business opportunities sends our young people away and increases the tax burden on local taxpayers. As a library trustee, I want to make Boundary County the lovely place to live I know it can and should be by helping develop educational resources to foster the economic development we critically need—at an affordable cost to local taxpayers.

The library has studied and planned for nearly 20 years. The plan provides more library and education services, including innovative business development and technology centers. Every funding option the library can qualify for to offset building costs has been identified. The bond is a cap, not a price. Grants can only be applied for after the bond is approved.

The plan builds on existing library/community partnerships by including—as tenants—University of Idaho Extension and North Idaho College and its academic partners to broaden educational opportunities available for all ages in Boundary County. The technology center's planned digital fabrication lab will greatly expand the library's educational partnerships with its inclusion in an international network affiliated with MIT.

I am convinced the diverse educational resources and services the library expansion plan can provide will foster a stronger local economy. Our quality of life rests on our education. Our best decisions are educated ones.

Respectfully,
Judith Mace
Library District Trustee
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