Decision on Library Status Postponed

Until the city completes its own study on the matter, an influential group of municipal government leaders will hold off deciding whether the county library system should maintain its present form.

The League of Cities’ decision Thursday to await Irvine’s report was seen as a victory for the city, which is considering whether to pull its two branches out of the county system. The city would also withdraw its $2.8-million contribution--larger than any other city--to the system.

The decision to cleave the branches ultimately rests with the Board of Supervisors, but a League of Cities recommendation against Irvine’s proposal would be an obstacle for the city.

The city has commissioned a $10,000 study by Rancho Mirage library director Tom Johnson to explore alternatives to the county library system.

“The argument rests on the premise that if Irvine pulls out, it would put the county system in jeopardy,” said Irvine Councilman Greg Smith. “But it’s already in jeopardy. The county library system no longer has the resources necessary to be a full-service library system, and something’s going to have to change.”

The annual county library budget has been reduced from $27 million to $22 million over the last five years, with another $5-million cut expected by the end of the decade.