Ross Cockfield Greetings to all our patrons and supporters. The business of libraries is a fascinating business. It involves more than books, and now includes innovative technologies, services, and programs all designed to serve the public. In addition to that, our building and facilities must be maintained so that our patrons feel safe, comfortable, and secure when they use our library. Each of these carries a cost. It is my responsibility to make sure that our budget is established and maintained to ensure that each area of the library receives the financial attention it deserves. As our patrons require new services, we must be prepared to accommodate these needs and do so at the highest level. Our library serves as one of nine independent library systems in Cuyahoga County, and we receive the greatest amount of our funding from the State of Ohio and property taxes. When you pay sales tax for any item you purchase, a percentage of that money is used to fund libraries across the state. We receive a portion of the money that comes to Cuyahoga County. Ohio has one of the best funded library systems in the country. We also receive funding from Cuyahoga County representing a portion of the property taxes paid by homeowners, property owners and businesses in the East Cleveland school district. As I said, the business of libraries is a fascinating business. In my spare time I enjoy woodworking and making three-dimensional chess boards with pieces that are turned on a lathe. I am also an avid reader of African American history. I am happy to be part of a staff of dedicated individuals who work hard to make sure that every patron - adults and children alike - receives the best library services we have to offer.
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