For hundreds of Castle Rock library supporters, Aug. 18 is the ultimate due date.

The future of the small town’s library hangs in the balance when voters are again asked to approve a levy to pay for operating expenses. The same levy failed by nine votes in November — the first time since 2000 that the library levy failed to reach the required 60 percent supermajority.

Since the vote, supporters have rallied around the library. Some residents have donated what they have would have paid in taxes if the levy passed. Others have asked for memorial contributions to the library in obituary notices for relatives. In June about 350 people took part in the fun run to raise money and awareness. About $5,600 was collected.

Washington Secretary of State Sam Reed even visited in March to call attention to the library’s predicament. His supporters donated $800 to the library after the visit.

The fundraising efforts, including a $6,000 donation from the Friends of the Library, have allowed the library to remain open with reduced hours and staff. Librarian Vicki Selander recently told the City Council the library needs about $8,000 more to keep it open through April, when the first 2010 taxes would be received if the levy passes.

Without the levy, though, it’s unlikely enough donations can be raised to sustain the library long-term.

The $42,079 levy would cost the owner of a $150,000 home $75 a year. The library levy goes only toward library expenses and can not be used to balance the city’s struggling general fund. The Friends of the Library, not the city, is paying the election costs to put the levy on the ballot.

Ballots must be postmarked Aug. 18 or dropped off in county collection sites, including one at Cowlitz Street and First Avenue SW near Hattie’s Restaurant in Castle Rock, by 8 p.m. on election day. Ballots were mailed out late last week.