EDITOR: It appears that many people believe that they should not
support the ballot measure to continue the special library
assessment, because there is no funded plan for a new library. In
fact, without the supplemental funding, the current library will be
forced to significantly curtail service.
EDITOR:
It appears that many people believe that they should not support the ballot measure to continue the special library assessment, because there is no funded plan for a new library. In fact, without the supplemental funding, the current library will be forced to significantly curtail service.
Ten years ago, our library was in severe trouble, offering reduced hours, limited replacement of outdated books and materials, reading and after-school programs were reduced, and a variety of services for seniors were eliminated.
Thanks to a voter approved supplemental tax assessment, $5.3 million annual funding (approximately 21 percent of the county library budget) was made available. These funds restored open hours, literacy, after school programs and senior services.
This source of library funding is set to expire, thus making the future for our public libraries uncertain.
At the same time, an ever expanding need for information and access to technology have increased the demand for local library services. Without a replacement source of funds, libraries will be forced to cut services by 21 percent.
On March 2, 2004, voters will be asked to continue funding our community library system by increasing current parcel taxes from $33.66 per year for single family homes/condominiums to $42 yearly, with corresponding increases for other classes of real property.
The measure includes the following provisions:
• By law, these funds can only be used for library services.
• All money raised within a city is returned to that city to fund its community library.
• Automatically expires after seven years.
Without these funds, the current library facility may not be fully utilized, since hours, services and ability to expand the collection will be severely curtailed.
If the measure fails there will little incentive to provide a new library of the size and scope that has been planned and is needed to serve the community. This is because there will not sufficient funds available to operate it properly due to reduced staffing and lack of ability to fill it with the media that is necessary for a first class library.
If you want the new library that you expected to have, you must do the following:
• Work to support the March ballot measure
• Turnout the vote for that measure
• Write letters to City Council members voicing your demands for a new library
• Attend the council meetings and speak for the need for a new library that meets the needs assessment currently in place.
Chuck Dillmann,
Morgan Hill
