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Your tax dollars at work

Sometimes, I find the existence of libraries amazing.

Think about it. We, as a society, have decided books and learning are so important that we're going to make thousands of books available in every community free to any resident, no matter his/her income or status. (OK, I know it's not free. We pay for it in our taxes. But still.)

That point was driven home to me Sunday when I visited Hedberg Public Library and was handed a survey about library services. The survey wanted to know how often I use library resources and what I'd like to see more of at the library. I'm looking forward to seeing the results.

According to a study from NorthStar Economics of Madison, Wisconsin libraries are putting our tax dollars to work. The study found Wisconsin libraries contribue $4 to the local economy for every $1 it collects in taxes. The study showed libraries:

-Create more than 3,200 jobs directly and more than 3,000 indirectly through economic activity.

-Provide $427.9 million in total economic value through services provided to Wisconsin residents.

-Make a direct economic contribution to Wisconsin’s economy of more than $326 million.

Not getting your money's worth at the library? It's a lot more than just books nowadays. You can go there to surf the Internet, check out DVDs (why go to Blockbuster when you can get them free from the library?), read magazines or get help with your homework.

And there are plenty of libraries in Rock County outside of Janesville too.

So hit up the library today. It'd be a shame to see your tax dollars go to waste.