A Monday Los Angeles Times article explores the controversy surrounding the possible temporary closure of Long Beach’s Main Library. The library is in need of renovation, which the City fears may be too costly with a budget deficit looming, leading to proposals of a temporary relocation of the library. Up to $20 million would be made available for a new facility if Mayor Foster’s $571 million infrastructure bond passes in November.
The article, which describes Long Beach as “the port town” in the opening sentence, describes the fear of many citizens.
“What if the bond measure fails? What if they decide to build the new library someplace else?” the story quotes Sara Pillet, Executive Director of the Long Beach Public Library Foundation. “They are offering a temporary site, but what will it look like? How big will it be? Where will it be located?”
A letter to the Press-Telegram from renowned science fiction author Ray Bradbury is also cited, as well as a quote from City Councilmember Bonnie Lowenthal inferring that Mayor Foster and City Manager Pat West have fallen out of touch with the Library’s importance.
“The proposal is completely unacceptable,” she is quoted. “It makes me think that Long Beach City Manager Pat West and possibly Mayor Bob Foster do not understand the core mission of a civic library.”
The article also makes reference to a similar situation in Salinas, CA, where the local government was forced to cease operations due to budget constraints before a grass-roots fundraising campaign saved three facilities in the city.
A public budget hearing is set to take place at 3:30pm today in City Hall, and supporters of the Main Library are expected to show up in large numbers to have their voices heard.
By Ryan ZumMallen, Managing Editor