Why is the Santa Clara County Library closing all the libraries and bookmobile service on Mondays?
At its Aug. 26th meeting, the Santa Clara County Library Joint Powers Authority (JPA) Board voted to close all SCCL libraries (including branches and the bookmobile) on Mondays in order to cut expenses to meet the $1.1 million budget shortfall this year. Closing Mondays saves $1 million in operating costs.
What libraries are affected?
Campbell, Cupertino, Gilroy, Los Altos, Milpitas, Morgan Hill and Saratoga, plus the Alum Rock and Woodland branches and the Bookmobile.
When will the Monday library closings begin?
The new schedule with Monday closures takes effect Monday, October 11, 2004.
Why Mondays?
• Closing the same day each week provides for the greatest savings.
• It is easier for library patrons to remember a consistent schedule of open and closed days for all SCCL libraries. Many patrons visit and use more than one library for convenience.
• In many libraries, Mondays have less use than other days of the week.
• Closing the same day each week allows centralized services such as delivery of materials to be eliminated one day a week.
Will other library services be impacted?
The 1-800-286-1991 telephone number will not be available on Mondays. Community rooms will not be available for use on Mondays.
Will there be additional cutbacks in the near future?
Additional cutbacks will be considered by the JPA Board in 2005 if the Benefit Assessment tax, due to expire in June of 2005, is not extended. This is a source of revenue that provides $5.3 million – 21% of the operating budget.
What can be done to restore library hours and services?
The JPA Board will make a decision soon on whether to place on a June 2005 ballot a measure that would ask voters to approve a continuation of funding. If the measure is approved by two-thirds of the voters, then this source of funding for library services will be protected for several years.
Will the Library web page be available when libraries are closed?
Services provided via the Internet -- Library web page, catalog and databases -- will continue to be available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Are any libraries in the county still open on Mondays?
City-operated libraries that are open on Mondays are: Los Gatos Public Library, Mountain View Public Library, Palo Alto Public Library, San Jose Public Library, Santa Clara City Library, Sunnyvale Public Library
For more information www.santaclaracountylib.org
(408) 293-2326
