HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC Resolution 13099 (Public Library & Literacy Service Funding Elimination)RESOLUTION NO. 13099
RESOLUTION IN OPPOSITION TO THE GOVERNOR'S PROPOSAL TO ELIMINATE
STATE FUNDING FOR PUBLIC LIBRARIES AND LITERACY SERVICES IN
CALIFORNIA
WHEREAS, as part of the 2011-12 budget proposal, the Governor has proposed permanently
abolishing California's funding for public libraries and literacy programs; and
WHEREAS, this proposal will bring very little financial benefit to the State, with the cuts
amounting to a total of $30.4 million statewide --less than 1/20 of 1% of the State general fund;
and
WHEREAS, the proposal will result in the additional loss of approximately $16 million in
Federal fiends awarded on a matching basis to California by the Library Services and Technology
Act (LSTA), portions of which come to San Rafael in the form of training provided by programs
funded through LSTA, as well as via competitive and non-competitive grant programs; and
WHEREAS, the San Rafael Public Library receives funds through all three of the affected
programs, including approximately $20,000 per year from the Public Library Fund;
approximately $40,000 per year from the California Library Services Act's Transaction Based
Reimbursements program in addition to other services provided through the California Library
Services Act's cooperative library system, including delivery, contract negotiation, second -level
reference, and approximately $94,000 per year from the California Library Literacy Services
program; and
Wl IEREAS, the elimination of the California Library Services Act places the entire concept of
universal borrowing, a foundation of equal access to information for Californians, at risk; and
WHEREAS, the MARINet consortium of public libraries in Marin County, of which the San
Rafael Public Library is a member, faces an uncertain future if all Transaction Based
Reimbursements are eliminated; and
WHEREAS, the Marin Literacy Program, a jointly -sponsored program of the San Rafael Public
Library and the Marin County Free Library, has served over 9,000 adult students with the help of
over 1,400 trained tutors over the past 25 years; and
WHEREAS, the Marin Literacy Program's ability to continue its important work would be
seriously jeopardized by the implementation of the Governor's proposed cuts; and
WHEREAS, City of San Rafael voters resolutely affirmed their support of their public library in
last June's election, passing a special Library Services parcel tax in order to increase local
support for library services in San Rafael; and
WHEREAS, inter -library cooperation, as supported by the California Library Services Act, is not
a good candidate for local funding, due to the inter jurisdictional nature of the services provided.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the San Rafael City Council hereby formally
opposes the Administration's proposal to eliminate State funding for public libraries and literacy
programs in California.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the San Rafael City Council hereby authorizes its council
and city staff to communicate its opposition to this proposal to the Governor, the Legislature,
business groups, and citizens.
I, Esther C. Beirne, City Clerk of the City of San Rafael, hereby certify that the foregoing
resolution was duly and regularly introduced and adopted at a regular meeting of the City
Council held on the 7"' day of February 2011, by the following vote, to wit:
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: Brockbank, Connolly, Heller, Levine & Mayor Boro
NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
ESTHER C. BEIRNE, City Clerk