Coming Feb. 9, Renton residents will get the opportunity to make a choice and vote for the best route to take toward the future of the Renton library.

The choices will be either to annex to King County Library System (KCLS) or to remain with the Renton Library System.

After having looked at both choices closely the best choice will be to annex to KCLS.

The decision behind this choice is because of the following.

Both Library systems are excellent within their abilities.

Now start the differences. While the Renton Library System belongs to the City of Renton, it depends on Renton being able to collect the necessary taxes and spend them where most required. Renton serves the City of Renton residents, this includes all services that Renton provides.

KCLS is an independent library system; the only thing that it raises and spends funds for is the governance, growth and maintenance of the library system. KCLS has an extended usage area that includes the branch libraries in 33 local communities, mobile services, technology and other library services, all for the library patron’s use.

What will happen in the future? If Renton votes to annex to KCLS, then Renton Library will become part of KCLS, thus bringing the improvements to Renton that the larger library system would provide. The materials from the present Renton Library System would remain in the Renton Library served by KCLS. The community would have the opportunity to voice their choices in how the local library would service the local residents.

What happens if the Renton Library system remains independent? The needed changes pointed out by the Renton Master Plan show what improvements would be required to bring the Renton Library System up to date. This would require that at least one bond would have to be voted upon and passed to increase the amount of money that is spent on the library for future changes.

Prior to this happening the Renton Library System will be cut back in hours, staff and materials, this will happen because the cuts are already written into the City of Renton 2010 budget.

The only chance that Renton residents have to improve the Renton Library is to annex into KCLS.

Vote yes on Proposition 1, Annex Renton Library System to KCLS.

David L. McCammon

Renton