Posted November 11, 2005.

Salinas Votes to Restore Library Services

More than a year after the Salinas, California, city council voted to close the city’s three libraries because of a massive budget deficit, voters resoundingly passed a referendum November 8 to restore funding to keep them open full-time. Measure V, a half-cent sales-tax increase that will raise an estimated $11 million annually for city services, received 61% of the vote, according to the November 9 Salinas Californian.

“Be proud of the fact that we have saved our libraries, which we know are the cornerstones of our democracy,” said Mayor Anna Caballero, who was instrumental in launching a fundraising plan, Rally Salinas, in February to keep them open on a temporary basis.

The measure will be in effect for the next 10 years and includes the establishment of an independent oversight committee to keep track of the additional revenue, which will also be used in support of recreation centers, school crossing guards, streets and sidewalks, and police and firefighters.

Money raised from Measure V won’t be available until July 2006, but council has recommended using a $700,000 carryover from the past fiscal year to keep the libraries open on their current reduced schedule.

A state-by-state report on the year’s library referenda and bond issues is scheduled to be posted on this website in December and published in the January 2006 issue of American Libraries.

Posted November 11, 2005.