Re: “Prop. No. 1, property tax levy for the Seattle Public Library: Vote no” (July 14, Opinion):

I strongly disagree with the editorial urging voters to be against Prop. 1, the proposed property tax levy for Seattle Public Libraries.

Our public libraries are the last urban refuge for anyone who enjoys going out but doesn’t want to have to spend money.

I visit my local branch(es) several times a week, constantly checking out books, movies, music CDs and more. There are often interesting, fun programs (like amazing music shows), tutoring, children’s story times and much more. And all for free.

(As a bit of an aside, can you imagine how outraged our right-wing politicians would be by such a — gasp! — socialist agenda as public libraries now if they didn’t already exist?)

The property tax costs the editorial lists seem to be a pittance compared with what we receive. The editorial board writes that “voters here are generous.” So, let it be: We’re smart and understand the crucial importance of public libraries.Yes to any and all library funding. Maybe we could cancel support for other nonessentials like Immigration and Customs Enforcement, foreign wars, billionaire tax cuts, etc. (I realize these may not come from the same funding sources, but, still …)

Bruce Greeley, Seattle