Editorials
Library board did its homework well
The Public Library Board, with tremendous support from the Friends of the Library, has been working behind the scenes to figure out how to replace the town's beloved, but sadly inadequate, library.
When a professional needs assessment was required, the board used $13,000 from the Library Trust, an existing fund created by undesignated donations to the library. The Friends contributed another $10,000. The board has also explored funding sources, appointed a visioning committee and explored libraries in comparable communities. All of this without going to the town for money.
In other words, they've done their homework, and they've done it well.
It should come as no surprise to anyone who's stepped foot inside the library in the past 10 years that the building no longer serves the needs of the community. Professional Library Consultants, P.A., the group that did the needs assessment, found that the library's 13,970 square feet is less than half the space needed to meet nationally accepted library space standards.
It was 10 years ago that the town saw the need for a major expansion, and applied for a state grant. The grant did not materialize, and the space situation has become much worse.
Now that the board and the visioning committee have visited other libraries, they have a better idea of what is possible--and needed--for a 21st-century library. And it's time for the next step.
If voters go to the polls in March and approve Senate Bill 3, the California Reading and Literacy Improvement and Public Library Construction and Renovation Bond Act of 2000, the board wants to be in a position to apply as soon as possible for a grant that would pay for 65 percent of the projected $10 million to $12 million cost of the project.
It is expected that grant applications would be accepted within about nine months of passage.
To move closer to their goal of applying for the grant in a timely fashion, the board is getting ready to prepare a building proposal and hire an architect--again without asking the town for money. This time, they've approached the family of Clelles Ness and received permission to use money from the Ness Trust for this purpose.
According to Library Director Gloria Grimes, the trust was established primarily to purchase art books for the library, but since there's no longer any room for such books, the money is not being used.
To apply for the grant, the board will have to pin down its sources for the matching 35 percent. There are several possible avenues, including Redevelopment Agency funds.
Even if the state library bond measure fails in March and applying for a grant is impossible, the town ought to be in an excellent position to go to the community to ask for support of a library bond. The homework has been done. The need has been clearly established, and a network of volunteers with a proven track record is in place.
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Los Gatos, California Since 1881
