Voters in Hancock and surrounding townships will decide this November whether to support a new district area library, marking a pivotal moment for a community space that has transformed far beyond its original purpose.
Since 2018, the library at Hancock Central High School has evolved into something unexpected: a gathering place where parents and children learn to read together, seniors connect with the community while managing online tasks they cannot do at home, and families discover resources that strengthen their bonds.
Now, the Hancock Area District Library board is asking residents to approve a 0.7 millage to establish the library as an independent entity. If voters approve, the tax will first appear on winter 2026 bills.
“A successful millage would provide us with plenty of time to either have an extension of that contract in place or to be absolutely ready to stand on our own feet,” said Carolyn Dekker, president of the HADL board of trustees. “Obviously, we can see we’re in very good expert hands with Bonnie. She’s absolutely ready to be a library director instead of a library manager if that’s the route we choose to go.”
The urgency stems from a looming deadline: a bridge contract with the Portage Lake District Library expires in March 2027. Without voter approval, the library faces potential staffing cuts of two-thirds.
In August, the city and school district established the area district library board to champion the initiative. The five-member board of trustees has planned two more community information sessions, inviting residents to hear from librarian Boni Ashburn about the work that has created this unique learning space.
The library’s impact extends across generations. Picture books rank as the library’s biggest circulating item, revealing the strength of young families in the community.
“Even though this library is located in the high school and the middle school, that tells us there’s this really strong contingent of young families in this community who’s here for story time, who’s here listening to our assistant librarian play the banjo to them, and loving music and literacy in this space,” Dekker said.
The millage is expected to raise between $185,000 and $200,000 annually—enough to continue current services, including streaming resources, and potentially increase staffing rather than implement cuts.
The next information session takes place Monday at 6 p.m., with another scheduled for October 24 at 1 p.m. Tours will include the kids room, a small studio, the library of things, and bookclub kits.
Voters should remember to flip over their ballots in November, as many local and countywide initiatives appear below state and federal elections and proposals. These often include new millage considerations, local councils, or millage renewals and replacements.
For more details about the Hancock Area District Library millage, visit the library’s website.
