Did Measure B pass? Will the library close hours? How much
revenue is the library losing? Will you lay off staff? Will you buy
fewer books? What about the new library building? Will you still
purchase videos? How can I help?
Did Measure B pass? Will the library close hours? How much revenue is the library losing? Will you lay off staff? Will you buy fewer books? What about the new library building? Will you still purchase videos? How can I help?
Since the March 2 election, library customers have been asking questions like these every day. There are still many unanswered questions, but here is what we know now.
First, the operating budget of the library is in serious trouble. The operating budget affects what happens inside the building: staffing, services and materials. The funding of a new library building is a separate city issue and the planning process is continuing.
Measure B did not pass in March. Although it received over 60 percent support, it required a two-thirds majority to pass.
Ten years ago, state budget cuts left the Morgan Hill Library devastated. Hours were cut and the materials budget was slashed. In November 1994, voters approved a measure to create a ten-year funding mechanism to restore library services. This funding, which expires June 2005, accounts for 21 percent of our budget. The purpose of Measure B was to extend this funding after June 2005. (In other words, Measure B was designed to maintain the revenue generated by the old Measure A.)
With the defeat of Measure B, we are again facing a similar reduction in hours and service.
In addition to the loss of Measure A funds next year, the library now faces losses in state revenue and increased operating costs. These factors taken together mean that the Morgan Hill Library will face significant budget cuts, potentially 30 percent of our current budget. It likely means reducing our open hours from 54 hours per week to approximately 30 hours per week.
When will we know the exact budget and library schedule? The Joint Powers Authority (JPA) is the governing board of the Santa Clara County Library. Morgan Hill is one of the community libraries of this system. The JPA will ultimately decide on the budget and when cuts will be made. Morgan Hill Council Member, Steve Tate, represents Morgan Hill on the JPA. Their next meeting is April 22. At its March meeting the JPA did not take action, but there was an emerging consensus that cuts will need to be made by January 2005 to balance the budget.
What will this mean to service? There will be reduced hours and staff layoffs in the future. There will be reductions in the materials budget. There will be longer lines.
What will remain is the same commitment to providing the Morgan Hill community with excellent library service. We will continue to provide the best service possible.
The support of the Friends of the Morgan Hill Library and volunteers will continue to make a difference to Library services. Last year the Friends of the Library contributed $20,000. Friends’ funding will buy more books and programs for the children of the community. In tough fiscal times, the library is busier than ever. The dedicated support of the community is more important than ever.
Questions and suggested topics for At the Library, which appears in Tuesday editions, should be directed to Nancy Howe, community librarian, at nh***@**********************ca.us or by calling 779-3196. The Morgan Hill Library, located at the corner of Peak and West Main avenues next to City Hall, is open every day but Sunday.
