Despite the recent turmoil in the U.S. economy, most libraries that were tracked by "Library Journal" won their referenda at a rate just slightly lower than 2007. Nearly three-quarters of operating referenda passed. Building referenda under $10 million passed at a whopping 85%, with those over $10 million batting slightly better than…

The Kalamazoo Public Library recently won an election that increased local library tax support from 2.8074 mills to 4 mills. Knowing why the election was being held, when information on the issue(s) would be communicated to voters, and how the information would be disseminated contributed to its success. The funding provides for renovations, a new…