• Library Levy FAQ
  • How much will the levy generate for the Library?

    The 3.4 mill levy will generate $5.1 million dollars a year for the Library. The Library’s current levy that expires next year generates $4 million dollars per year. The Library has not asked for additional funds from taxpayers in 15 years.

  • How much will the levy cost Westlake homeowners?

    Westlake homeowners will pay $87.82 per year per $100,000 of home value. This is an increase of $20.97 per year, or $1.75 per month, from the amount homeowners are paying for the Library’s current levy.

    Home Value	Millage	Annual Cost to homeowner 3.4 mill levy	Monthly Cost to homeowner 3.4 mill levy	Annual increase from current levy	Monthly increase from current levy
    $100,000	3.4	$87.82	$7.32	$20.97	$1.75
    $200,000	3.4	$175.64	$14.64	$41.94	$3.50
    $300,000	3.4	$263.46	$21.96	$62.91	$5.25

  • When will the issue be on the ballot?

    The Library’s levy will be on the May 2, 2023 ballot.

  • If the levy passes, will my taxes increase?

    Your taxes will increase if the levy passes. The cost increase per year per $100,000 of home value is $20.97, or $1.75 per month. 

  • How is Westlake Porter Public Library funded?

    Approximately 70% of Westlake Porter Public Library’s funding is from local property tax revenue. The State of Ohio’s Public Library Fund accounts for approximately 25% of the Library’s funding and the remaining 5% of funding is from interest income, fees, and other sources.

  • What will happen to the library if the levy fails?

    If the levy fails, Westlake Porter Public Library will lose 70% of its revenue and will have to make cuts to its services.

  • Do I pay a Cuyahoga County library tax as well as a tax for Westlake Porter Public Library?

    No. Residents are NOT double taxed for two library systems. Westlake Porter Public Library is a separate, independent library. Residents’ tax dollars support Westlake Library.

  • How much do residents in other cities in Cuyahoga County pay for their libraries?

    If the Library’s levy passes in May, Westlake Porter Public Library will still have the lowest voted millage of any library in Cuyahoga County.

    Library	Voted Millage
    Westlake Porter Public Library	3.4
    Cuyahoga County Public Library	3.5
    Lakewood Public Library	3.5
    Euclid Public Library	5.6
    Shaker Heights Public Library	5.9
    Rocky River Public Library	6.1
    East Cleveland Public Library	7.0
    Cleveland Public Library	8.8
    Cleveland Heights-University Heights Public Library	10.0

  • Why is the Library going on the ballot in May instead of November? Is the Library holding a Special Election to be on the ballot in May?

    The May 2 election is not a special election, it is a state-wide primary election. If the Library's levy doesn't pass in May, it gives us the opportunity to go on the ballot again in November, before the current levy expires.   

  • What will this levy fund?

    The funds from this levy allow for the Library to continue to provide state-of-the-art services and spaces for the Westlake community. In 2021, the Library completed a strategic and space planning process that solicited feedback from the community. Some of the projects identified as important to the public included an outdoor programming space, additional meeting rooms and study spaces, and a makerspace. These projects have been completed as part of phase one.

    Additional projects the public identified as priorities the Library would like to complete include a larger, dedicated teen space, opening the second floor of the library to the public for access to additional meeting and study rooms, quiet reading spaces, and a dedicated local history space.

    The funds from this levy will also allow the Library to continue to connect people to a wealth of information, whether online, in print or in person. It will allow us to maintain the Library’s facilities, which serve as a multi-use destination for our community providing access, classes and training, events, programs, and state-of-the-art equipment.

    The levy will fund necessary maintenance and infrastructure projects that are part of typical building maintenance. It will also fund the increasing cost of library materials for circulation. As materials and service fees increase from our outside partners, this levy will ensure we are able to continue distributing new materials and offer essential services such as printing, passports, digital materials, etc.

    Additional funding is also imperative to help maintain materials in both print and electronic format. Because of publishers’ pricing and licensing terms for libraries, Westlake Library pays significantly more for eBooks and eAudiobooks than consumers. According to the American Library Association, “for popular eBook titles, libraries pay up to five times the consumer price and typically have access for only two years.”

    Here are a few examples:

    It Starts With Us by Collen Hoover

    Format	Library Cost	Consumer Cost on Amazon	Difference
    eBook	$59.99 (2 years)	$13.99	$46.00
    eAudiobook	$59.99 (2 years)	Only available with Audible subscription	---

    Fairy Tale by Stephen King

    Format	Library Cost	Consumer Cost on Amazon	Difference
    eBook	$67.99 (2 years)	$16.99	$51.00
    eAudiobook	$129.99 (2 years)	Only available with Audible subscription	---

WPPL's Civic Corner currently features information relating to the May 2, 2023 primary election. Voter Registration and Vote-by-Mail (Absentee) applications and Early In-Person voting details can also be found at the Cuyahoga County Board of Elections website.

• Voting
  • City of Westlake - Voter Information
  • Cuyahoga County Board of Elections
  • VoteOhio.gov