The King County Library System (KCLS) says that it needs additional funds to operate. Hmm, I would find it easier to give a positive vote to their request, if there were not so many problems.

Recently I sent a letter to the library board, regarding the terrible condition of many DVDs. I was told that of the 1,666,813 DVDs (and 819,608 CDs) that were circulated last year, that KCLS limits polishing to 150-175 disks per week – that is a little over one-third of one percent of the total inventory, each year.

My second complaint is that even when a video is in good condition, it may not be in English. I love foreign films and appreciate the diversity of countries represented by the titles offered through KCLS. But why are there so many DVDs that do not at least have English subtitles?

Taxes pay for these items, but I (and the majority of patrons) cannot enjoy them.

On Feb. 9 voters will be asked to continue a property tax levy “to provide for continued funding for the normal operation and maintenance of the King County library system.” Perhaps, this additional levy has not been spent well up to this point and should not be renewed; my vote is no.

Robert Lynn, Bellevue