Publication Date: Friday, December 10, 2004
City manager backs closing libraries
City manager backs closing libraries
(December 10, 2004) by Bill D'Agostino
City Manager Frank Benest weighed in on Palo Alto's heated library debate this week with a recommendation to shut down two branches and build a full-service central library.
The two targeted library branches, College Terrace and Downtown, would be converted to "other community uses" by July 2007, according to a report given to the Library Advisory Commission on Wednesday night. The phrase "other community uses" was not specifically defined, but could include leasing the buildings to nonprofits or other city departments.
A section of each building could be maintained for a small amount of library service.
"Of course it's a wrenching thing to recommend to the community," Library Director Paula Simpson said, who reported the city manager's ideas and said she agreed with them.
The city manager's plan is similar to Simpson's vision, which was presented to the council at a study session last month and sparked intense community dialogue about the future of the library system, as well as the pros and cons of the branches.
Closing the smaller libraries would allow more dollars to go to the city's three more popular branches -- Mitchell Park, Main and Children's -- that have overworked librarians, reduced hours and a lack of space for programs, according to city administrators. The money saved would not go toward closing the city's projected $5.2 million budget gap for 2005-2006.
The city manager "is acknowledging the shortfall in the library and saying 'reduce the quantity; improve the quality,'" Simpson reported. With the savings from closing the branch libraries, "we'll immediately be able to do more." For instance, the number of open hours in the other libraries could expand and the collections could grow.
A new full-service library would be able to provide new programs the current libraries fail to, such as a teen center; places for group meetings and private study; a technology center; a literacy program; and author readings. It would also alleviate the overcrowding in both the Main and Mitchell Park libraries. The two had 70 percent of last year's library visitors in Palo Alto.
Under Benest's recommendation, the Main Library would also eventually be closed unless it was the site of the new central library. The Mitchell Park and Children's libraries would remain open. (The Children's Library is currently scheduled to undergo a renovation and expansion, starting next summer. That will temporarily close the building for an estimated 18 months.)
Benest's plan also includes a new recommendation to start a "blue ribbon committee" to find ways to fund the construction of the new library.
The City Council is set to vote on the library options on Monday night. The meeting begins at 7 p.m. inside the council chambers of City Hall (250 Hamilton Ave.).
Neighbors of the threatened branches are expected to attend the meeting in droves.
On Wednesday night, College Terrace resident Paula Sandas told the commission that there are no public services available to residents living west of El Camino Real aside from the College Terrace Library.
"We also pay our taxes as well," she said.
At the meeting, the library commission re-emphasized its earlier recommendation to build a full-service library while also keeping all five current branches open.
"We need it as a package," commission Chair Lenore Jones said.
The commission also asked for $850,000 in additional funding for libraries during the next fiscal year, a sum that would allow all five branches to be adequately staffed and open an ample number of hours. The library director advised the commission to, in its oral report on Monday, mention the city's upcoming deficit.
"It shows you're grounded in reality," Simpson said.
The additional library funding would require steeper cuts from other city services, but Councilwoman Hillary Freeman was ready to support it anyway.
"It's the libraries turn, I think," said Freeman, the commission's liaison.
The commission also hopes to find ways to bring library services to other areas of the city in the future.
The Friends of the Palo Alto Library seconded the commission's dream at its board meeting earlier this month.
It is possible, despite great community interest in the outcome, that the City Council will defer its decision. That's exactly what happened in recent years' debates when city officials targeted branches for closure.
Under the city manager's recommendation, the funds from renting the two buildings would not necessarily go to libraries.
"That, I am still arm wrestling with Mr. Benest over," Simpson said. "I think it would be a worthy destination."
It is likely the Main Library would eventually close under the plan, because its potential expansion is limited by numerous factors: it is located near many residential homes, is a historic building and is surrounded by community gardens and the Art Center.
Mitchell Park is another possible location for the central library, along with city-owned land near California Avenue.
Staff Writer Bill D'Agostino can be e-mailed at bdagostino@paweekly.com.
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