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Can the Library Board Increase My Property Taxes?
The Library Board has the legal authority to approve annual budgets but our mill rate is governed by caps established by the City Commission. Our City tax revenues can never exceed the cap. In the last ten years, Board approved budgets have cut the Library's mill rate...
“A Tune Beyond Us, Yet Ourselves…”*
Some say reading is an escape, a way to forget the weight of the world and our share of the burden. Does that truly capture the essence of reading? A perfect sentence or line of poetry can transport us but is that really an escape? Memorable things said in beautiful...
Mission, Principles and Values
The 6/11/25 Leavenworth County Commission meeting began with the Pledge of Allegiance that promises "liberty and justice for all." A prayer was offered that thanked the Lord for "...all the people that we represent and I pray that you help us to do them fairly."...
Library Bill of Rights
One of the greatest aspects of our nation’s social and political history is our rock solid determination to have open discussion, the free exchange of ideas and opinions. People shouldn't go to jail for expressing dissent, reading certain books or openly disagreeing...
Executive Orders Regarding Institute of Museum and Library Services & National Endowment for the Humanities
You may be aware that on March 31, the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) was largely eliminated by an Executive Order of the President. For decades, IMLS has provided grants to the Kansas State Library and those funds pay for Talking Books for the vision...
Library Adds Two New Members to its Leadership Team
Jacque Slingsby, Assistant Director I am very excited to be at the Leavenworth PublicLibrary as the newish Assistant Director! Librarian ismy second career after a bunch of years working with juvenile offenders. I’ve had a small farm in Leavenworth County for 27 years...
Library Needs Assessment
You might have read the front page article in the 7/18/24 edition of the Leavenworth Times or heard about it from a friend. We wish to answer questions you may have. You are always welcome to contact me for more information. A Needs Assessment is a preliminary...
Library Board President Responds to 4-23-24 Letter to the Editor in the Leavenworth Times
Tuesday, April 24, 2024 To our community: A recent letter to the editor about the Leavenworth Public Library and its Board included a number of inaccurate statements. These statements need to be corrected. Library Boards are not “naturally political bodies.” Library...
A Literary Salute to Those Who Have Served
When the Leavenworth Public Library was established in 1902, Fort Leavenworth had already been in operation for 75 years. Local business owners have catered to the military since before the city was established. Residents interact with active-duty and retired military...
Clarification for the Public
Library Board members acted responsibly by approving a 2024 budget that preserves the effectiveness of an institution that has served the community for 120 years.
Revenue Neutral Effect on Library Budget
The Library Board of Trustees held a special meeting to review the Library’s FY2024 again and consider the feasibility of a revenue neutral budget.
Public Communication Without Misrepresentation
The two-year old “revenue neutral” experiment should not be used to undermine 120 years of cooperation and communication between the City of Leavenworth and the Library Board they appoint.