Library hours in Sonoma County have been slashed from 52 to 40 hours at all 11 County libraries for the past three years. They are closed Mondays for the first time in a century.
A new poll by the Library Commission found that 70% of like voters support a tax to save our libraries, but without a vote by Supervisors to add a tiny tax for libraries to the ballot this November, closed libraries will remain the “new normal” for at at least three more years--and maybe forever.
If you share my concern, and feel that libraries are an vital and important public service, please sign our new MoveOn petition (that officially launches tomorrow).
More info at the Campaign to RestoreLibrary Hours in Sonoma County website, www.RestoreLibraryHours.com.
Volunteers for this public awareness and public pressure campaign are vitally needed during the next few weeks. If you want to help, please reply to me privately here.
County Supervisors will be deciding whether they will include a library funding measure or not within the next month or so. Please spread the word!
Imagine, for just a 1/8 of 1% Sales Tax, our woefully underfunded libraries would raise $8 million per year, allowing us this:
The 1/8 of 1% Sales Tax Solution
Instead this is our current reality:
- Reopen: Monday & evenings—closed 3 years ago by 25% cutback in hours
- Nurture: Restore programs for children, teens & seniors
- Enhance: Open Sundays & all evenings
- Revitalize: Plan, build & staff new Roseland Library as community hub
- Secure: Financial footing & obligations for the future
Our Libraries Are Loved, But Underfunded