City Libraries Also Need a Hand

As readers, we have been made aware of the plight of the libraries within the Orange County public library system. Much has been written about “donor” libraries and the possibility of their leaving the system.

Because libraries are a community’s bulwark of knowledge, culture and democratic principles, we must support and encourage the problem-solving efforts of the specially appointed committee.

What readers may not know, however, is that this group of libraries does not encompass all the libraries within this county. Beyond the county system there are libraries administered by cities, such as Yorba Linda and Anaheim, and special district libraries such as Buena Park and Placentia, all suffering great financial problems.

Here in Orange County and throughout the state, our libraries are struggling to provide needed services within their communities. The problem has the same derivation--the state’s percentage allocation of property tax revenue, which is inadequate to provide for citizens’ needs--old and young.

On the November ballot, the citizens of Placentia will have an opportunity to strengthen the revenue base of the Placentia District Library. Measure W provides $29 per parcel tax annually. While it takes a two-thirds vote to pass, the revenue measure amount cannot be increased, nor can it be extended beyond five years. For only the price of a new hardback novel, the library can provide patrons with open doors and needed books.

A.C. IROT

Placentia