Salinas PL Survives Plan To Share Director Position

-- Library Journal, 11/22/2006

Salinas Public Library (SPL), CA, which almost closed its three facilities last year after budget cuts, has survived another attempt to cut back resources. The library has had no director, as department heads for several city departments were eliminated two years ago. City council members considered hiring a person to direct both SPL and the Recreation and Parks Department in order to save more money. After dozens of people protested the proposal at a recent city council meeting, councilors endorsed a budget that allocates $185,000 solely for a library director, according to local press reports.

Last year, voters secured more stability for SPL by approving a ten-year half-cent tax measure. This action followed worldwide shock at the idea of the hometown of author John Steinbeck without library service. The community, local politicians, and far-flung supporters rallied to raise funds for limited library service. The new tax provides $10–$11 million for city services. Unfortunately, the budget cuts totaled $15 million.