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San Diego Grapples with Library Funding CutsThe San Diego city council tentatively approved a spending plan May 12 that would require 21 of the city’s 33 public library branches to close on Sundays and/or earlier on weekends. Mayor Dick Murphy and other council members said that the reductions were in response to a citywide budget cut of $30 million that slashes library spending by more than $764,000.“We are all disappointed with the reduced library hours,” Murphy said in the May 12 San Diego Union-Tribune. “But with the national economy struggling and city revenues down, this council does have to make tough choices.” More than a dozen library supporters at the open budget hearing complained that the measure would take the city back to 1988 levels. “You’ve opened new libraries, you’ve expanded hours, and now you’re reversing yourself,” argued Pacific Beach resident Bill Bradshaw. “Please don’t cut the libraries. You’re building a good system. Let’s keep it going.” Under a November 2000 council policy, the city was supposed to increase library spending by one-half of a percent per year until it reached 6% of the general fund. Councilman Jim Madaffer called the spending cuts “disgraceful” and “a great leap backward.” Along with the city’s board of library commissioners, Madaffer wants to restore funding for Sunday hours in at least one branch in each council district. The city has until June 30 to adopt a final budget. Posted May 19, 2003. |
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