Library Panel Dissolved, Replaced

Ending a 117-year-old tradition, the City Council has voted unanimously to dissolve the Library Advisory Board and replace it with a smaller, more goal-oriented committee.

The new, reorganized Library Advisory Committee will advise the council on a number of issues, including whether to drop out of the county library system, consolidation of library facilities and hours of service.

Bringing it in line with other city committees, the new group will be made up of only five members, instead of the board’s seven.

The city will begin looking for candidates. Former board members can apply, and several have said they will apply.

Mary Lou Schill, the city’s recreation supervisor, suggested to the council during the Monday meeting that after six months the committee be reviewed to determine whether five members are sufficient.

The Ventura Library Advisory Board was established in 1878 when the Ventura Free Library was formed. After the city joined the county library system in 1916, the board served as an advisory board to the county system.

Councilman Ray Di Guilio expressed support for the move before casting his vote, saying one of the problems that has plagued the board was lack of direction.

Councilman Steve Bennett agreed, but cautioned that even with the reorganization the new committee could eventually lose direction.