Residents of Marquette should vote “Yes” on the Library Millage on Tuesday, Nov. 6. This would renew the current millage in Marquette Township, which provides the funds necessary for the Peter White Public Library to operate and offer the Marquette community its essential services.

A millage is a minute tax based on property value. The current library millage up for renewal has a rate of one percent per $1,000 of value. The millage, if passed, would last for five years at this rate.

Libraries serve a vital function in a community. The tomes and tales of civilization are cradled within their walls. A library that operates with an insufficient budget cannot provide the intellectual services a community requires. This can be mentally taxing on a community.

The great Ray Bradbury, author of “Fahrenheit 451,” considered the library to be the common man’s college. Bradbury once said, “I couldn’t go to college, so I went to the library three days a week for 10 years.”

The Peter White Public Library has provided priceless services to the Marquette community. The library hosted a political forum so that citizens could directly discuss issues with the candidates; they have featured exhibits showcasing NMU student art; they also offer a venue for local musicians to play at, children’s reading programs and themed programs such as the “Your Mind Matters” mental health awareness campaign which took place in May 2012.

When you go to the polls on Election Day, remember that your mind matters. Vote “Yes” on the library millage: it will ensure that the library has the funds necessary to function at its award-winning level of excellence.