Ottawa County’s Patmos Library has been the center of debate in Jamestown Charter Township. It began when the book Gender Queer: A Memoir appeared on the library’s shelves and some disapproving residents began attending board meetings, voicing their disapproval for it and others with LGBTQ+ themes.
Last year citizens voted against the renewal of a millage supporting the library with 84% of its $245,000 annual budget. As funding is set to expire this year, Jamestown Township voters were asked to renew the library millage for three years for operating, maintaining, and equipping the Patmos Library.
Nearly 63% of voters approved of the millage generating approximately $231,000 in revenue. 37% voted “no.”
Just across the county line, the Kent District Library also had its millage renewal on Tuesday’s ballot. The 15-year operational funding proposal was approved by more than 75% of Kent County voters.