Save the County Library System

Give the operators of the Orange County library system credit: They are doing their best to cope with years of tight funding. Still, the system’s survival is in doubt, and tonight the Irvine City Council is scheduled to consider transferring the city’s two libraries from the county network to city control. Those favoring the move complain that the portion of residents’ property taxes earmarked for county libraries amounts to $500,000 more than the two libraries receive each year.

That is a legitimate complaint. But it is one that county library officials have promised to address, probably next month at a meeting of the county chapter of the League of Cities. They deserve a delay at least until then to outline some alternatives.

Some sort of regional library system is needed. It may be that the solution lies in establishing a joint powers agreement between cities and the county; or perhaps the system should be geared to provide more service to cities that contribute larger amounts of taxes. What must be avoided is abolishing the county system and shutting the libraries in smaller cities, which need the facilities but cannot afford to pay for them by themselves. Providing services regardless of city boundaries is one of the jobs of county government.

The Orange County library system has been deeply affected by fiscal problems. It has been forced to cut its budget from $27 million five years ago to less than $20 million now because the state has diverted funds from county libraries. But that does not mean the whole system should be scrapped.

Considering the budget problems, the county libraries have made a remarkable comeback. Not long ago, many branches were closed three days a week. Now, thanks in large part to volunteers, they have gotten back to normal operating hours, in most cases six days a week.

Still, fewer new books and magazines are purchased now. Many new books are available only as rentals, penalizing those of lesser means. Such steps have been necessary to keep the buildings open. Libraries are central to our life, promoting literacy, building community and, these days, providing access to computers and the Internet.