For the past 14 years, operators of the Fresno County library system have kept the promises they made to taxpayers when the library tax was first supported by more than 70% of voters. The one-eighth-cent sales tax now pays for about half of the library system's budget.

The tax has been a wise investment in our community, and we recommend that voters renew it by voting "yes" on Measure B on the Nov. 6 ballot.

There continues to be a need for a quality library system, especially in the information age. Libraries enhance learning through easy access to books and computers. That's important in this region where the poverty and illiteracy rates are much too high.

Library use has skyrocketed, which counters the argument of those who say libraries are no longer needed in a computer age. Drop by a library branch and you will see a variety of residents using the facilities -- young children and their parents, students doing homework, adults browsing books and electronic information, and others doing research.

Measure B funds not only have purchased books, computers and related resource materials, the tax also has made them available across the county by increasing branch hours and building new facilities.

While taxpayers have embraced the library tax, the fate of Measure B could be impacted by the economic downturn, and the fact that there are other taxes on the ballot. But this tiny tax -- the equivalent of 1.25 cents on a $10 purchase -- has demonstrated its worth, and stands out as money well spent.

"We need this money to sustain the libraries," Supervisor Phil Larson said. If it doesn't pass, Fresno County's library system will begin to be dismantled. The contingency plan in case of failure calls for about 150 of the library system's 292 employees to be laid off, and closing about half of the 34 branches. Hours at the remaining branches would be reduced.

That contingency plan shows just how much the county has come to rely on the one-eighth-cent sales tax. Consider what the library system would look like if the original tax had not been approved by voters.

Fortunately, county taxpayers have gotten their money's worth out of the library tax, and the renewal of Measure B has earned a 'yes" vote.