Library Funding Measures Must Pass

I was at the Camarillo Library recently and was thinking what a great loss to the community it would be if long-term funding for the library, (Measure P, for the city of Camarillo and Measure V for surrounding areas) would not be supported by the voters on primary election day, March 26.

The library is now open 47 hours a week. If both measures pass, it will be open 55 hours a week: Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sandi Kaplan, supervising librarian, says the 9 p.m. closing would give an extra hour to students who fill the library tables doing homework and research. Sunday opening would make the library more accessible to those with jobs and those who can’t come during the week.

The Committee to Protect Our Library and the Camarillo City Council researched long-term funding for the library and the parcel tax of $25 for five years was decided upon as the only fair and equitable solution. Both measures need a two-thirds favorable vote for this to be a reality.

If Measure P and Measure V do not pass with a two-thirds vote, the Camarillo Library will be open only 28 hours a week. The 43,000 library card holders, students and adults, would not be able to do necessary research, check job references, use the Internet, get technical information, have a quiet place to study and even check out books for recreational reading.

MARJORIE GRATE

Camarillo