Response to Insert on Palos Verdes Libraries

The Tuesday, Oct. 26 edition of The Times delivered to the Palos Verdes Peninsula communities included as an insert a newsletter published by Save Our Libraries, a recently formed community-based organization. The editorial board of Save Our Libraries cited me as a resource for verification of facts included in the newsletter.

As the public information coordinator for the Palos Verdes Library District, one of my key responsibilities is to provide information about library operations and services. I was happy to respond to requests by SOL members for specific information. However, I am not a member of SOL and did not preview the newsletter. I am writing to clarify some points of fact addressed in the newsletter.

Shortage of space is a problem at the Peninsula Center Library. This has been recognized by every library task force or study group since 1974, including the 1988 citizens long-range planning committee.

Over a period of years, the Board of Trustees placed money in a fund to be used for expenses associated with the new building, which could not be funded out of bond proceeds. Due to the district’s recent revenue losses, money is no longer being placed in that fund. However, it is estimated that the $1.8 million currently in the fund will effectively supplement the bond money so that the addition and renovation, as designed, is fully funded. This includes furniture and additional equipment, such as public access microcomputers and CD-ROM stations.

At the May 14, 1992, meeting of the board, the proposals for public art elements in the reconstructed library were presented to the board and the public. The full cost of the art component will be $274,000--lower than the original $323,000 estimate.

The library district has three administrators, not 14: director, deputy director and assistant director. There are also three clerical staff (two part-time) and one support staff (me) who work in the administrative offices. There are seven department heads who are working supervisors and have no purview beyond their individual departments.

Improvements at the branch libraries have been addressed by the district. In fact, many of the actions recommended in the 1989 needs assessment were taken. However, the board prioritized recommendations contained in the needs assessment report, and action on some recommendations was postponed.

More than 100 volunteers currently work at the three Palos Verdes libraries. Eight hundred forty-eight volunteer hours were logged in September, 1993. Currently the district is seeking additional volunteers to assist with a study center program being developed for the Miraleste Library.

The State Library’s publication “California Library Statistics 1993” is subtitled “Fiscal year 1991-92 data.” In 1991-92, district revenues totaled $4.3 million. Almost $1 million of that income came from the County Special District Augmentation Fund. The community benefited from the district having the funding to provide excellent library materials and services, including an experienced and helpful staff. In fact, the pursuit of a high level of library service was a key element in the founding of the library district as a special district, distinct from the county, in 1928. However, in the current fiscal year, 1993-94, the district income is projected to be $2.9 million and we are no longer in the lead position among similarly sized districts.

I believe that an explanation of the facts usually clears up concerns people may have. I am pleased that SOL will be asking for additional factual information. I will continue to make every effort to give accurate and complete responses on behalf of the library district. I encourage any community group or individual to call me if questions or concerns arise. I can be reached at 544-3822.

NANCY MAHR

Public information coordinator

Palos Verdes Library District

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As co-chairs of the campaign in support of the 1991 bond measure that funded the Peninsula Center Library addition and renovation project, we would like to respond to some concerns which have arisen in the community regarding the bond.

The purpose of the measure, to fund the Peninsula Center Library addition and renovation project, was known to the Peninsula community when the voters passed the measure by 69%. The April, 1991, edition of the Library’s community newsletter included a four-page insert describing the space needs at Peninsula Center, the goals of the project and the work of the supporting citizens committee. This newsletter was mailed to every household in the four cities and unincorporated areas served by the Library District.

In addition, printed information on the project was distributed at all three libraries for two months prior to the election. A model of the proposed library was clearly displayed in the Peninsula Center Library lobby.

Press coverage included articles in the Daily Breeze, the Los Angeles Times and the Peninsula News. The Peninsula News endorsed the bond measure in an editorial. The targeted use of the bond money for the Peninsula Center library addition and renovation project is clear in each of these articles.

Further, each registered voter in the Library District’s service area received a ballot pamphlet. The “Argument in Favor of Proposition D” contained in the pamphlet for each voter to read begins, “The Peninsula Center Library is bursting at the seams.”

The language of the actual ballot measure itself states “libraries,” rather than Peninsula Center Library, in order to give the Library Board flexibility in the use of any funds which might be available from the bond money if the Peninsula Center project were to be completed under estimated cost. It is fortunate that the Board had the foresight to include this flexible language, as costs savings have been achieved in the building project as it has progressed, and, if the projected costs remain on target, there will be monies left to be spent on other District facilities.

The fact that District revenues for operating expenses have been reduced does not change the need for additional space and for renovation at the Peninsula Center Library. Further, cutting back on library construction will not make more operating funds available, for bond funds cannot be used as operating funds as a matter of law.

JEANNE B. JONES

Palos Verdes Estates

DR. BRYAN W. STEVENS

Rolling Hills Estates