California Voters Approve
$350-Million Library Bond Measure
California voters approved Proposition 14, the state’s first library bond in 12 years, by 59% to 41% March 7. The measure will provide $350 million to build new libraries or expand or renovate existing ones. Funds can also go toward upgrading telecommunications and electrical systems to accommodate technology and the purchase of furniture and equipment.
Although the proposition did not contain a list of projects to be funded, a 1998 survey by the California Library Association identified 425 proposals in need of funds. The Los Angeles Times noted March 9 that many such projects have been deferred since the passage of the antitax Proposition 13 in 1978.
The measure authorizes libraries to apply for state grants of between $50,000 and $20 million, which must be matched by a 35% local contribution. Joint-use projects involving a cooperative agreement between libraries and schools receive first-priority funding.
The Times pointed out February 20 that this was seventh time in a decade that library backers had sought a statewide library bond measure.
Posted March 13, 2000.
|
