Libraries’ Stacks of Services Not Toppled : * Facilities Learn to Do More With Less After Budget Cuts, but Public Support Is Needed

These are tough times for area libraries, with some closing for an extra day or days each week and canceled magazine subscriptions. But even against the budgetary odds, some are doing laudable and innovative things.

A collection of articles in the Times Orange County Edition last week, “Libraries: Lending Books and More,” demonstrated the remarkable range of services that are being provided.

In Orange, recent cutbacks are forcing the library system to cancel many subscriptions. This is happening, says the president of the Friends of Orange Public Library, even as people depend more on the library.

The Orange County Public Library reports that the number of people using the county library system has increased by nearly 25% during the past four years. And today’s libraries offer books on tape, compact discs, cassettes and videotapes.

The situation shows the need for the public to support these wonderful resources. Friends of Orange Public Library are trying to enlist donations to continue subscriptions. Those who can should consider helping out.

And a well-done is in order to the cheerful and imaginative folks at our libraries who seem to be doing more with less. In Fullerton, for example, the bookmobile keeps rolling, just as it has for 34 years, although today 50% of the books loaned are in Spanish or Vietnamese.

In Santa Ana, a new program offered by the Central Library tutors in English, Spanish and Vietnamese three days a week. Rancho Santa Margarita plans to open a new library in September, though finding county money to pay for enough staff will be tough. Huntington Beach has plans for an ambitious new children’s wing at its Central Library.

Libraries deserve encouragement and support. One measure of our commitment to knowledge and the future is the backing we give to these great community resources.