Voters supported four of five area libraries seeking first-time tax levies last night, mirroring a statewide trend.

The Bexley Public Library, which lost $575,000 in state funding this year -- almost a third of its budget -- was facing cuts or possible transfer into the Columbus Metropolitan Library system.

Voters approved a five-year, 1.5-mill property tax to restore and expand library services. The levy will generate $689,279 a year and cost about $45 per $100,000 of property value, starting next year.

With 12 of 30 precincts reporting, 62 percent of Pickerington residents had voted for a 10-year, 0.75-mill property tax that is to generate $830,800 a year.

The measure will cost homeowners $23 per $100,000 of property value.

The library had cut weekly hours from 68 in 2007 to 47 this year, said Director Suellen Goldsberry.

With all precincts reporting, 53 percent of voters in the Big Walnut school district had approved funding for Community Library in Sunbury in Delaware County.

"We are just thrilled that the community came out to support the library as a community center. The library plays an integral role," said Liana Lee, co-chair of Citizens for Community Library.

The five-year, 1-mill property tax will raise about $643,637 annually and cost homeowners about $31 per $100,000 of property value.

Most of the money will be used to buy library materials and update computers, said Chauncey Montgomery, library director.

In West Jefferson, about 60 percent of voters favored a five-year, 1.5-mill property tax for the Hurt/Battelle Memorial Library.

It will generate $242,236 annually and cost about $46 per $100,000 of property value.

The library had billed itself as a community resource, "the only game in town for a copy machine or fax machine," said Director Cathy Allen. "I'm so very pleased that the community recognizes the need for a good library in their town."

Pataskala Public Library's levy lost by 52 votes out of more than 6,500 cast, with 100 percent of precincts reporting, according to final, unofficial results.

The Ohio Library Council had results from 25 library issues statewide; 22 of them were passing.

"I would suggest (the success) is a continuation of this summer, when patrons around the state rallied to support libraries," Director Doug Evans said.

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