Proposition 81: Yes

PUBLIC LIBRARIES, even more than schools, epitomize the egalitarian cultural institution. They’re a sign that society treasures education for all and the free exchange of thoughtful ideas. Anyone, rich or homeless, child or senior citizen, can claim access at a library to a wealth of information or just a calm, book-lined oasis on a stormy day.

Funding for California’s libraries since Proposition 13 has not kept pace with the expansion of their role. For people who cannot afford computers, library PCs are their link to the Internet. For commuters whose only reading time is on the road, they have books on tape. Among children, they’re popular as a safe and studious after-school haven. They double as community centers and places to find classes in literacy, English as a second language and citizenship — all of which will be more important in the state’s future.

For all these reasons, Californians should continue the job they began in 2000 with Proposition 14 to build and renovate libraries. That $350-million bond funded 45 library projects, such as new libraries for Long Beach and Lawndale, all of which are running on time and within budget. Proposition 81 would provide $600 million in bond money for the 60 additional library proposals that the previous bond didn’t cover, and additional projects as well, including new library buildings for West Hollywood and Whittier. Local agencies must pay about one-third of the cost of their projects; the bond would pick up the rest.

Opponents, mainly anti-tax groups, concede that the libraries need the money but say it should come out of existing state coffers. Certainly, the state should carve out a bigger budget for libraries from the general fund, but urgent capital improvements can be more expensive than an annual budget can cover. The library proposals are written, the projects are ready to go into construction and the state’s recent track record on library bond money has been good. Californians should approve Proposition 81.