Library Patrons Denounce Closure Plans : Government: Six libraries, two of them in Garden Grove, face closure because of the county’s bankruptcy woes.

Library patrons on Wednesday denounced a proposal to close six of Orange County’s 28 branches and demanded that county Librarian John Adams consider alternatives to balance his bankruptcy-ravaged budget.

Adams discussed his budget-cutting proposal with about 30 people during an afternoon forum in Garden Grove, which is slated to lose two of its three library branches--the most of any city.

Library patrons pleaded with Adams to spare the West Garden Grove and Chapman branches, saying the libraries serve a vital role in the community.

“The library is so important. It gives the children potential,” said Amelia Lee-Yoo, a Garden Grove resident and Chapman library patron who attended the forum with her young daughter.

“If you close the libraries, Garden Grove loses something,” she said to the applause of others. “The children lose.”

Other patrons said it was unfair for Garden Grove branches to bare the brunt of the cutbacks.

“Why do you have to close so many in Garden Grove?” asked the city’s mayor, Bruce Broadwater. He noted that Irvine and Costa Mesa retained all their libraries even though the cities have fewer residents than Garden Grove.

Adams said the Garden Grove libraries, as well as branches in Seal Beach, Villa Park, La Palma and Silverado Canyon, were slated for closure based on the number of patrons who used each facility and on the volume of book checkouts.

The Orange County Public Library system must trim its budget from $25 million to $20 million by June. Officials said the cuts are needed because the county can no longer afford to subsidize the system in light of the county’s Dec. 6 bankruptcy.

In addition to the closures, Adams proposed increasing some fees and fines and strengthening private fund-raising efforts.

Under the proposal, the remaining 22 libraries would see their hours increased from four or five days a week to six days a week.

Adams told the audience that his decision to close the six branches was the most difficult of his career.

“I agree this will be an inconvenience and a hardship. It’s awful,” he said. “Closing libraries creates hardships. I’m not saying its fair.”

Several residents urged Adams to reduce hours at other branches so that the six targeted libraries could remain open. Many expressed a willingness to volunteer their time if it would reduce operating costs.

Adams said that some cities are working to raise money needed to keep their libraries open with limited hours. But Garden Grove officials said they weren’t sure if the city could afford to make a contribution.

The Board of Supervisors is expected to take a final vote on the cutbacks in late May.