Ballot Measure to Save County Library Funding Approved

The Joint Powers Authority Board of the Santa Clara County Library District unanimously approved this week placing a special tax measure on an August 2013 mailed ballot that would continue existing funding at current rates to help maintain and protect local library services and programs. 

“We know how important local libraries are to each of our communities,” said Santa Clara Board of Supervisors President Ken Yeager. “Without these funds, our libraries would not be able to buy needed books and up-to-date research materials and would have to cut programs for children and seniors.” 

If adopted by voters, the measure would provide funds to continue helping local libraries buy books and research materials; maintain library hours and services; keep qualified librarians; continue summer student reading programs; and, among other services, provide an award-winning bookmobile program to bring books to seniors, the disabled and others. 

“Every library operated under the Santa Clara County Library JPA benefits from this funding,” said Supervisor Joe Simitian. “The Measure requires that every dollar from these revenues raised within a city is returned for the benefit and operation of the local library in that city.”  

Taxpayer funding for local libraries has been in place for the past 20 years, and is due to expire. The measure would simply continue this funding to maintain and protect local library services, without increasing existing taxes.

In particular, the measure impacts more than 100,000 school age and pre-school children who attend Santa Clara County Library District programs each year. 

“With school libraries often open only a few days per week, our public libraries are now even more important than ever for our children’s education,” said Los Altos resident Cindy Hill. “Kids rely on the up-to-date research materials to complete their school assignments and summer reading programs to keep them engaged and learning while school is out of session.”  

Without this measure, local libraries will be forced to implement significant cuts to programs and services, including reducing or eliminating library programs for children and seniors; purchasing fewer books and databases; and closing libraries for an additional day to day-and-a-half each week.

“The public library offers so many things to so many people,” said Santa Clara County librarian Nancy Howe. “It gives children and adults the opportunity to learn and the freedom to dream without limits.”  

“Funding for the library district is subject to strict fiscal scrutiny,” said Gilbert Wong, chaiman of the JPA Board. “Revenue provided by this Measure would have the same stringent fiscal protections.” 

The library district funding is subject to the library district’s annual, independent financial audits and public review of expenditures. 

Ballots will be mailed to registered voters throughout Santa Clara County starting July 29 and must be returned by Aug. 27.