Oh, I like this. A grassroots group called Save Our Libraries, out of San Francisco, has the quixotic idea that libraries are better off spending more money on books and less on library palaces, including party facilities for fund-raisers. A lawsuit has even been filed against Mayor Gavin Newsom and the Public Library Administration for insufficiently accounting for $316 million. Two items of interest:
–S.F.’s $104-million library headquarters building “doesn’t work,” according to Save Our Libraries. Perhaps it’s time for S.F. to start looking ahead to the era of e-books while at the same time strengthening local branches as in-person neighborhood meeting centers–which e-books won’t replace. Same for lectures, story hours and the rest. In most cases, it’s better that they happen close to home. Busy parents and children just can’t make the trek from the neighborhoods to downtown library palaces.
–“The Branch Improvement Bond to remodel branches in San Francisco Neighborhoods has become a de-book-ification program. The Library Planning Consultant selected by the ‘Friends and Foundation’ has stated that ‘A library is better with fewer books.’ What she did not add was that, ‘Then there is more room for fund-raising activities.'” Well put. Until the era of e-books arrive for real, the p-books should remain. And even then: Cut out the frills for the fund raisers. Rent a ballroom or whatever. Don’t cheat the kids of the books.
More money but smaller percentage spent on books
What’s more, Save Our Libraries says that since 1995 when a $316-million fund sprang into existence, “the total San Francisco Public Library budget has increased by 51 percent, while at the same time the percentage of the budget for books and materials budget has dropped by 29 percent. In the same period, the open hours have not increased at all.” Sure, libraries need to pay for plenty besides books, but the failure to increase service hours suggests that SOL is probably on the mark in its criticism. A decade ago S.F. voted for Proposition E, part of which said: “Increasing library hours throughout the system and acquiring books and materials shall receive priority in appropriating and expending fund monies.”
A Connecticut outrage
Meanwhile LIS News reports that a branch library in South Norwalk, CT, will reopen with fewer books–in part because of an increase in the number of computers. Not good news. I’ve already noted how the electronic nirvana for booklovers isn’t here yet. Furthermore, when the nirvana comes, most of the access will be from home. In fairness to the Connecticut library, ADA regs requiring enough space for wheelchair access played a role. Probably this is one case where more money for the system could have both increased the number of books and served the very real needs of the disabled.
The obvious: Here’s to more library spending for useful services and offerings and less for frills! How sad that a worthwhile project like the Library of Texas–flawed but a promising investment for the future–fails to get adequate support while bureaurats botch the Dallas headquarters library and squander many tens of millions in San Francisco.
(Thanks, Alev.)
