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A Mayday for LAPL! (Report from City Hall)The May 1 Budget & Finance Committee hearing had a good turnout--I believe 4 librarians and 7 members of the public spoke on behalf of the library, and about as many arts producers on behalf of Cultural Affairs. There was one whole row of people clutching library books in support of the cause, which was very good to see. At one point I was called out of the hearing to do an interview on Which Way LA, linked here. The public was given an opportunity to speak prior to the official time for LAPL discussion, since so many people had come and filled in speaker's cards, and everyone got one minute to make their point to the Budget & Finance Committee. I took notes as best I could. These were the professional speakers (I stopped taking notes when I got in line with the other private citizens): 1) a Vernon librarian who was opposed to cutting the book budget, noting that the unemployed need up-to-date job resources. Also, losing programs for teens and college prep means an alternative to gangs is missing from the community. 2) a Mar Vista librarian said if the library didn't continually update its collection, it risks becoming a museum. She felt LAPL had been punished for budgeting its book money well when the mid-year budget adjustment swept in and took away $2Million that had not been spent yet. To not return that money to the book budget this year was not fair. 3) A Hollywood librarian recalled being laid off in 1981, shortly after she joined LAPL and was assured she would never be laid off. She was then a single mom with a 4-year-old, and this was very traumatic. Layoffs should be a last resort 4) Roy Stone of the Librarian's Guild (and Fairfax Branch) noted that librarians had put together a new efficiency plan, which they urged the committee to consult before laying anyone off. Also, he noted that the library saves the city a lot of money by providing a safe place for teens--their only safe haven in many neighborhoods. Later, their was a formal discussion of the library issue with City Librarian Fontayne Holmes and other advocates. Fontayne spoke of the 1200 powerful emails sent through savelapl.org, a testimony to what the library means to many citizens. Councilman Parks joked about reading several hundred before realizing they were all the same (there are two canned paragraphs in each email, followed by a place for individual remarks), but it was clear that he was impressed by the outpouring of support. And Wendy Greuel made a point of saying that she had seen how passionate the emails were, and as they moved forward the Committee would see what could be done. The Committee asked for a document clarifying just what the proposed cuts would mean to the library which they might consult as they go into closed hearings later this month. Some interesting points from the discussion: The LAPL budget is the same as ten years ago--despite 6 more libraries in the system now and much higher use. The proposed $2 Million cut translates to 100,000 new books divided among 72 libraries divided among twelve months = 114 new books per month for each library, to serve an average of 55,000 people. Many cities offer much longer library hours, 7 days a week, and spend much more per person on books--LA is at the bottom. Nonetheless, we are looked to for how our library has succeeded, especially with the bonds that fund new library construction. The original call to attend the hearing is below for anyone wondering about this event. What's next? This website will remain active, sending messages directly to the Mayor, Budget & Finance Committee and City Librarian as the city budget is debated. When the budget goes to the full City Council, we'll adjust the email destinations to reflect the additional Council members considering the issue. So please continue to tell your friends and family to visit savelapl.org and send a message in support of the Library. best regards, WHY: The Budget & Finance Committee is hearing the proposed Library budget, with its many deep cuts to staff, library hours and book buying—here is your chance to speak up in support of LAPL keeping all its city funding! WHERE: Ferraro City Council Chambers, 3rd floor, City Hall (First and Spring Streets, enter on Main Street) WHEN: The afternoon session begins at 1pm on Thursday May 1, with the Library the second-to-last agenda item. We do not know when the Library issue will be discussed, but if many members of the public attend, it may be moved to earlier in the afternoon. WHAT YOU CAN DO: Fill out a speaker's card when you arrive and wait to see if you are called to speak in support of the Library. Or, just be in the room to show support. WHO: Join City Librarian Fontayne Holmes, the Librarian's Guild, citywide Friends of the Library groups and Save LAPL in showing your support of the Los Angeles Public Library. IF YOU CAN'T ATTEND: Your emails sent through this website are being read by the Mayor, Budget & Finance Committee members and the City Librarian. Speak up online and create an account if you want to be kept informed about this issue. GETTING THERE: Due to May Day protests, please use the subway to get downtown. Exit at Civic Center on the Red Line. Wikipedia page for connection information to Civic Center Station. Map of Civic Center Station with directions to City Hall. Best regards, |
For more information about the threats facing LA's libraries, visit Save The Library. The OGs, L.A.'s oldest bloggers, have a pro-libraries message for Mayor Villaraigosa. |
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