Proposal Would Give Libraries $2.3 Million

The county’s financially ailing library system would receive an extra $2.3 million under a proposal the Board of Supervisors will consider next week.

The money, which represents about 15% of the system’s total budget, would give officials the opportunity to increase book acquisitions and library hours that were slashed severely over the last few years.

“There is no question this is a significant improvement,” said County Librarian John M. Adams. “The next step is to decide what our priorities will be. . . . It could mean more hours and more books, or perhaps upgrades in our technology.”

County Chief Executive Officer Jan Mittermeier proposed that the libraries receive the $2.3 million in unallocated public utility property taxes.

In the past, such tax windfalls have gone to several different county agencies, such as the Harbors, Beaches and Parks and Flood Control districts.

If the board approves Mittermeier’s proposal, library officials will draw up a detailed proposal on how to use the additional funds.

Over the last five years, the system’s budget has dropped from $27 million to $17.5 million. As a result, some libraries are now open only three days a week, and the county purchases only half the number of books and other materials it did in 1992.

The county’s library advisory board will eventually vote on the spending proposal, which will then go to the Board of Supervisors for final approval.