Request for Library Funds Via Bills OKd

The Ventura County supervisors on Tuesday agreed to solicit donations for the county’s library system by including a request for dollars in biannual property tax bills.

Following the recommendation of library officials, the board members voted 4 to 0 to include the donation forms with the October mailing of property tax bills. Supervisor John K. Flynn was absent.

Officials hope to raise at least $30,000 from taxpayers to shore up the deteriorating 15-branch library system, shortchanged by the Legislature this year.

Library hours throughout the county system were reduced Aug. 2 because the agency’s 1993-94 budget was slashed by $1.7 million.

“There are people who would like to make a donation but don’t know how to go about it,” Supervisor Vicky Howard said. “I think this may be the wave of the future. It’s easy for people to sit down, write out their bills and make a donation.”

County Librarian Dixie D. Adeniran estimates it will cost the county about $700 to print the donation forms. She said the expense will be paid by interest earned on contributions.

Adeniran said she is hopeful that operating hours at some of the libraries can be expanded if fund-raising efforts are successful. So far this year, about $200,000 in private donations has been raised for the libraries.

Library officials are also lobbying public schools, community colleges and cities for financial assistance to help cover the budget cuts.

Adeniran told the board on Tuesday that she plans to meet with representatives from schools and cities next month to discuss fund-raising efforts.