The Chesterton / Duneland Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors has unanimously passed a resolution supporting the continued independence of the Westchester Public Library (WPL).

The four-part resolution recognizes the following, the Chamber said in a statement released on Friday.

“(1) Westchester Public Library provides services to local businesses. These include the use of meeting facilities for businesses, service organizations, and residents at the Library Service Center and resources for businesses that are available at both Thomas and Hageman libraries. Use of these facilities and valuable resource material could be eliminated if the library systems are consolidated.

“(2) The potential for loss of tax dollars flowing back into our communities that consolidation would cause was of concern to the Chamber. Due to a long tradition of fiscal responsibility, Westchester Public Library is the only library in Porter County that is debt free. Under a consolidated library system, tax revenues that in the past have come back to WPL could be used by other county libraries resulting in a loss of services to local businesses and residents.

“(3) Westchester Public Library has provided a home for the Adult Learning Center for many years. WPL also supports the educational mission of the Duneland Schools by providing educational material and cultural programs and services for children from birth to high school graduation. If the library systems are consolidated, the Library Service Center and other library properties could be closed, programs could be discontinued, and jobs could be eliminated to reduce overall county library costs.

“(4) Library services provide a good match to the Chamber’s goals. As part of its mission statement, the Chesterton/Duneland Chamber of Commerce seeks to enhance the quality of life in the communities it serves. At the same time, Westchester Public Library helps build a strong community, playing a major role in the business, educational, and civic life of Westchester Township. Traditionally, WPL has provided a gathering place for community residents, a safe environment in which our children learn, and has always supported local business.”

Posted 10/22/2007