Maybe cutting hours and removing a sanctuary for afterschool kids is acceptable in some neighborhoods, but not in Elmhurst. That is a killer here (I do mean that literally). We have fought for years to get extra hours for this branch and getting it designated as a Weed & Seed safe haven for kids. We did that because the alternatives for kids in this neighborhood are next to none.
KIDS MATTER & LIBRARIES MAKE A DIFFERENCE
So, is it better to reduce library hours, have kids out on the street getting into mischief and then read about them in the papers and obits. Or is it, instead, better to have them inside the libraries reading papers, doing homework, surfing the Net, playing video games (which mostly this neighborhood's parents can't afford) and learning? To my mind, this is not acceptable--especially when I hear plans to reduce Oakland's police force by 130 officers(1). Since Oakland already does not have adequate police officers per capita, this in itself is insane talk. Yes, the police is a different topic, but germane to this discussion nonetheless.
NIGHTMARE CONSEQUENCES
So, imagine, kids with nowhere to go after school, hanging out on streets, getting into trouble with gangs, prostitution rings, drug dealers, illegal street gambling and then inadequate police coverage to handle the addition problems with more kids at risk on the streets because there is nowhere for them to go. Not to mention the fact that we are inadvertently creating situations for good kids to become bad kids and get into trouble with the law. Think it's not your problem because you don't live in Elmhurst? We are seeing these kids grow up and become lifelong criminals that end up committing crimes not just all over Oakland, but all over the Bay Area. Not a good plan.
MAKE SACRIFICES WITH BETTER SOLUTIONS
That said, I do understand that one of the proposals is to 'pair' smaller branches. From what we've learned about this, I envision understaffed branches with record patronage. Long lines, irate patrons, overworked staff and long lines. We recently added new computers and Wi-Fi to Elmhurst and already they are already close to being overtaxed. If we had library patrons and Friends members donate an hour or two per month, librarians to train them to reshelf and do other tasks that could assist library staff to be able to better serve the public. Somehow that would have to save some money and make a more palatable budget and hours of operation. I know there are union considerations as well, but surely even people in the librarian's union realize that without the help and cooperation of the public, it means fewer hours of operation ultimately reductions in staff. Desperate times call for desperate measures.
BE A LIBRARY VOLUNTEER
Our Friends group at Elmhurst has offered to do volunteer work for the branch to help with the shortfall. We are also exploring drives for donations to buy new books, DVDs, etc. because for most people in this neighborhood this branch is the ONLY means they have to read current books or see recent movies. More importantly, our branch serves many seniors who are on fixed income so the library is in many cases their sole source of entertainment, news and internet. We have so many unemployed and undereducated who use Elmhurst branch to try to get a job and better their lives. I have spoken with many who tell me our branch is the only place available to them with the resources and help to prepare for and find a good job.
LIBRARIES GIVE PEOPLE HOPE
We are in a RECESSION, folks! During the Great Depression in the 1930's not one library was closed and many extended services because it was THE ONE PLACE in the community that gave people hope. We need to have hope. We cut back library services and we take that hope for many away. Our president has asked each and every one of us to pitch in and do what we can to get through this recession. I believe with my whole heart that having good libraries that are available and open to the public is vital to American and global economic recovery. We need our libraries to function fully and well. It is, after all, a mere 3% of the overall city budget. I understand the need to cut the budget. I cannot emphasize strongly enough that making libraries take a big cut as well is a titanic mistake. We owe it to all our citizens and especially our youth to keep Oakland libraries operating at their optimum especially during these trying times.
Charles A. Aiken, President
Friends of Elmhurst Library
By Jim Hightower, AlterNet
Posted on February 2, 2005, Printed on May 12, 2009
http://www.alternet.org/story/21161/
"In the depths of the Great Depression, not a single public library in America closed its doors. Banks went under, farmers went bankrupt, millions of people were out of work and out of luck—but the American public clung to its libraries, not only because of their inherent value to our society, but also because they are symbols of community strength and hope."
Mayor's 2009-11 Proposed Budget
Oakland Public Library
Frequently Asked Questions
The Library's proposed General Purpose Fund (GPF) budget for 2009-11 shows a reduction in Full Time Equivalents (FTE). Will the Library have layoffs of personnel as a result of that?
At this time, we do not yet know whether any layoffs of staff will occur. As much as possible, any cuts in permanent positions will be shifted into any comparable vacant position available. Also, any changes that are made to the proposed budget as a result of the City Council budget hearings and final approval, could impact whether layoffs occur.
The proposed budget indicates that the changes that will occur are to "reduce days in smaller-paired (6) branches; reduce full time and part time staffing at branch libraries to allow for reduced hours." What does this mean?
In order to achieve required, permanent savings over the two-year budget, and in order to ensure that no branch libraries are closed, six small branches have been paired and will each share one set of staff. Paired branches will be open either two or three days per week. In other words, staff from branch "a" will be the permanent staff assigned to both branch "a" and branch "b." The staff positions from branch "b" will be cut from the budget. As mentioned above, cuts in permanent positions will be shifted into comparable vacant positions as much as possible. Some preliminary recommendations based on size, geographical location and proximity to larger branches have been forwarded to the Mayor and factored into the proposed budget figures. The following libraries are proposed for pairing; however, based on the City Council process, these may change: Golden Gate & Lakeview libraries; Temescal & Elmhurst libraries; and Martin Luther King, Jr., & Melrose libraries.
Are there any other impacts that the staff or public will see as a result of the proposed budget?
As part of the pairing of branches and in order to achieve the required savings that the City of Oakland needs, the non-paired branches are also scheduled to reduce the number of days open from 6-days per week to 5-days per week. Some of these branches are scheduled to be open Monday-Friday; others Tuesday-Saturday. The Main Library will continue to be open 7-days per week. Although not a savings to the GPF, but to restore funding to Measure Q's book budget, which City Council re-allocated to the Bookmobile in October 2008, the Bookmobile is scheduled to be cut from the Library's budget in FY 2009-11.
I thought that Measure Q, the dedicated parcel tax that supports the Library, requires certain services and programs to be provided, such as 6-day service from the branch libraries. How can you reduce days without being contrary to the ordinance establishing Measure Q?
Although Measure Q lists objectives on how the proceeds from the tax may be used, it does not mandate that it be used on specific items, only that it be related to the Library. We agree that these cuts are not consistent with the spirit of Measure Q; however, Measure Q also has a minimum GPF funding base (FY 2000-01:$9,059,989) that the City cannot go below. With these proposed budget reductions, the Library has not yet hit that base.
A new library in East Oakland is scheduled to open next year. Is there funding for it and, if so, why not take the funding for the library and transfer it to another library that is reducing hours? The new East Oakland Community Library, a 22,000 sq. ft. joint public-school library that will open in winter 2009, is under construction. The project has received funding from a number of agencies and foundations in order to be completed, including a state grant of $6.5 million. These funds can only be used for construction-not for current library operations. Recent and proposed cuts to the OPL operating budget create some challenges for operating a new library. However, the Mayor's 2009-11 budget proposal does includes new funding for the allocated positions for the East Oakland Community Library, as well as operational funds for maintenance, security, and materials. The new library will also make creative use of self-service options for more efficient operations.
Where can I learn more information or express my concerns about the proposed Library reductions?
A copy of the Mayor's proposed FY 2009-11 Budget will be available on the City of Oakland's Website, www.oaklandnet.com. In addition, the Mayor and City Council will hold a series of public meetings about the proposed budget on the following dates from 4:00 until 7:00 p.m. in the City Council Chambers at Oakland City Hall:
* Wednesday, May 13
* Thursday, May 28
* Monday, June 1
The public can also email comments and suggestions to their local Council member or to: budgetsuggestions@oaklandnet.com.The City Council is scheduled to adopt the two-year budget during its regular meetings on June 16 and June 30.
Footnote(s):
- It does not even cover the fact that doing so would most likely drop the police force to levels that would be in violation of federal law.
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