Even as California’s libraries have scaled back services in response to the state’s fiscal crisis, library use has been on an upswing, the San Jose Mercury News reported February 8. “We’re confronting difficult choices right now,” said Santa Clara City Librarian Karen Rollin Duffy. “At a time when we’re asked to hold the line or make cuts, we actually really need to hire additional staff. Our circulation is increasing. Circulation in December 2002 was 20% higher than December 2001. People are not spending as much money on going out, and they are using the library as a source of recreation.” The newspaper noted that the library has frozen vacant positions for the rest of the year.
The Mercury News also reported that San Jose Public Library recently froze 30 vacant positions. “At this point, the cuts are not visible to many people,” said Librarian Jane Light. “But the move leaves a tenth of all library positions empty.” In addition, the Stockton–San Joaquin County Public Library has stopped buying books and other materials until the new fiscal year begins in July.
Posted February 17, 2003.