Switching of Library Will Be Considered

After reviewing a study on how the ailing county library system might be restructured, the City Council voted this week to explore the option of pulling out.

Councilman Bill Ossenmacher argued that the only way to ensure high-quality library service for Dana Point residents is to have a facility owned and operated by the city.

“The library is extremely important,” Ossenmacher said. “It should be a high priority.”

He suggested that Dana Point look to Mission Viejo, which successfully withdrew from the county system, as a model.

According to a county study, the Orange County Public Library system faces a budget deficit of more than $3 million for fiscal 1996-97.

The system operates 24 libraries and three regional facilities.

To prevent closures and maintain a high level of service, the study offers several proposals, among them eliminating the system, creating an advisory board to manage it or maintaining it as it is now.

Mayor Karen Lloreda agreed that the library is important but argued that the city does not have the money or resources to take control of the Dana Niguel branch.

“Basically, we come out with a shortfall in order to provide these services,” Lloreda said.