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Perhaps the easiest vote on the May 14 ballot for those living in Ohio County is also the most important: supporting a levy to fully fund the Ohio County Public Library.

When you go to the polls that day — or, if you’re an early voter, beginning Wednesday — you will see two levies titled “Board of Education, Ohio County, West Virginia.” One is a five-year renewal for the school district itself that provides “for the purpose of maintaining and improving the instructional programs and the operation of school services.” This also is a very important levy, and we urge its passage today in a separate endorsement.

The second levy is to provide funding for the Ohio County Public Library. We also urge you to vote “For the Levy” on this measure when you visit the ballot box, as the funding will help secure the library’s future.

The proposed library levy — $1 million annually for five years — will not cost taxpayers any additional money. This funding initially had been included as part of the Ohio County Schools excess levy that’s also on the ballot. School and library board members agreed late last year to separate the library’s funding source from the school district and allow the community to lend its support directly to the library.

Again, supporting this levy should be an easy decision for Ohio County residents who want to see our community flourish. Just as you can’t have a strong community without a strong public school system, you also can’t have a strong community without an exceptional public library. Ohio County’s library has filled that role for generations; from programs geared toward adults and children, to public meeting spaces, to tool and cookware rentals and so much more, the library continues to evolve to serve our community.

Libraries are magical places, particularly for young children just starting to understand the world around them. Many of the students who have excelled academically in our local schools got their start with story time and other children’s programs at the library.

But not just children benefit from a strong library. Whether you’re 3 years old or 83 years old, the library has something for you. No single other organization outside of possibly our local hospital impacts residents throughout life as the library does. The library serves and educates everyone in the community. Lending your support will help ensure that role continues into the future. And, as a reminder, voting to approve the levy will not add one single penny to your taxes.

This is an easy one, folks. Support the Ohio County Public Library by voting “For the Levy” on the May 14 ballot.