SANTA PAULA : Legislation Backed to Form Library Panel
Ventura County supervisors agreed Tuesday to support state legislation that would allow the creation of an independent governing panel to oversee operations of the Blanchard Community Library in Santa Paula.
Originally a city-run library, Blanchard has been governed by the board of the Santa Paula Union High School District since 1968.
With library and school services continuing to expand, officials believed it would be better if the library, which serves nearly 28,000 people, had its own commission to run it.
Since Santa Paula voters approved a $25 parcel tax to help pay for library improvements last year, Blanchard has increased its hours from 18 to 30 and hired three new employees. It also plans to spend $35,000 on new books.
Daniel Robles, library director, said if the necessary legislation is approved that a new library board could be in place by January, 1996. The five-member panel would be appointed by the county Board of Supervisors.
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