Defiance County voters will decide on a library levy this November, a measure that could reshape the county’s public‑library system for the next 35 years. The 1.65‑mill levy, outlined by Defiance Public Library Systems director Cara Potter, would cost property owners $47 per $100,000 of assessed home value each year.
What the levy would fund
According to Potter, the levy is split into two parts. The 0.75‑mill operating portion would renew the existing levy that has been in place for 24 years and would cover all county branches, including facilities in Sherwood, Hicksville and Defiance. The additional 0.9‑mill portion would finance the construction of a new annex and the renovation of the current library building.
Potter explained that the levy is expected to generate nearly $2 million annually, providing a stable revenue stream for library services, staffing, and program expansion. The new annex, slated to begin construction by January 2029, would relocate children’s services from a cramped basement space to a purpose‑built area. It would also house a larger makerspace, a community meeting room, and expanded adult‑literacy offerings.
Community involvement and donor partnership
The library’s recent partnership with local philanthropist Anthony Sansalone helped secure the land for the annex. Sansalone initially offered a house for library use, but the property proved unsuitable. He subsequently purchased a lot and donated it, with the agreement that construction must start within five years of the donation.
Potter emphasized that the annex will address long‑standing space constraints. “This building has not had an expansion in over 60 years,” she said, noting that the current makerspace is cramped on a mezzanine and the children’s area is a makeshift basement room.
What happens if the levy fails
Should voters reject the measure, the library plans to bring the renewal portion back to the ballot next year, keeping the possibility of future funding alive. The library’s leadership remains optimistic, citing the community’s strong support for public‑library services and the benefits a modern facility would bring to families across the county.
Why the levy matters to families
For many families in Defiance County, the library serves as a hub for education, technology access, and community gathering. The proposed annex would provide a dedicated children’s space, a larger makerspace for hands‑on learning, and a venue for adult literacy classes—services that align with traditional family values and the community’s commitment to lifelong learning.
Local officials and library advocates encourage residents to review the levy details, consider the long‑term benefits for the county’s youth and families, and cast an informed vote in November.
Original reporting: 13abc WTVG Toledo (news) — read the source article.
