Library Takeover Is Pushed

Mayor Mike Ward said Wednesday that the city should pursue a proposal to pull its two public libraries out of the county system, even though a report scheduled for review tonight by the League of California Cities casts doubt on the feasibility of the plan.

“We spend more money for library services than we get in return,” Ward said. “We’re in a position to bring the services back that the library used to provide, and do it for the same amount of money we’re spending right now.”

About $2.8 million worth of Irvine property taxes go to the county library system each year to support city’s two libraries, City Clerk Judy Vonada said.

Irvine issued a formal notice in October of intent to pull out of the county system, which officials say will have to cut operating hours and book purchases by about a third if funding levels do not increase.

“It is clear that the county system cannot continue to provide the level of services that we want in this community,” City Manager Paul Brady said.

“But I don’t know if the city wants to be in the library business,” Brady said. “It will be costly and could take money away from other services the city now provides, such as public safety.”

County Librarian John M. Adams also urged caution.

“The city of Irvine would be smart to look very closely at this study before they do anything,” he said. “Larger organizations provide larger economies of scale and lower unit costs. It will probably cost a smaller entity more to do the same thing.”