Bad news re: local public libraries

[Ashburnite]

Originally Posted by GreenGene

It's true that the new budget for Fairfax won't be finalized until April. But cuts have already happened as a result of last year's budget.

Just to clarify: I was referring to Loudoun County. The closures never happened but I don't know what *did* happen - there may have been layoffs and cuts elsewhere.

[Caladium]

Originally Posted by cardinal2007

The library closest to work is always closed on Fridays, Sat/Sun makes less sense, since that is when people, and kids have free time.

They are not talking about closing the libraries on Sat and Sun. The suggestion is to close them Fri and Sun. Sunday is currently a half day (1-5) so it would be cutting the schedule 1 1/2 days.

But I agree that my library is packed every time I've been there. I often go in the middle of the day during the week, and I cannot recall a time when it wasn't hopping.

[Doppelganger69]

I, too, support higher taxes to support the libraries. And for smaller class sizes in the schools, too.

Although we can't donate money directly to the libraries to be used for librarian salaries, there are two ways to financially support them:

1. The Fairfax Library Foundation accepts monetary donations that can be used for various library purposes. Fairfax Library Foundation. It also has a "wish list" on Amazon, via which you can buy books directly for the library system. I did this a couple of months ago and it was a lot of fun to go shopping for the library. Amazon.com.

2. Most, if not all, local library branches have "Friends" organizations, that raise money for various library needs. Here is a link listing the various Friends: Become a Friend of the Library - FCPL. You can send an email to your local organization and ask how to make a donation.

[Guamanians]

Originally Posted by Doppelganger69

I, too, support higher taxes to support the libraries. And for smaller class sizes in the schools, too.

Although we can't donate money directly to the libraries to be used for librarian salaries, there are two ways to financially support them:

1. The Fairfax Library Foundation accepts monetary donations that can be used for various library purposes. Fairfax Library Foundation. It also has a "wish list" on Amazon, via which you can buy books directly for the library system. I did this a couple of months ago and it was a lot of fun to go shopping for the library. Amazon.com.

2. Most, if not all, local library branches have "Friends" organizations, that raise money for various library needs. Here is a link listing the various Friends: Become a Friend of the Library - FCPL. You can send an email to your local organization and ask how to make a donation.

The ONLY time that we should support higher taxes is if we know that 100% of the money is going to the right causes. Most Americans are tired of giving to a corrupt government.

[Ultrarunner]

Originally Posted by CAVA1990

We're not handcuffed by the likes of prop. 13 here and shouldn't have to accept the same sub-standard level of public services that Californians are forced to. Folks in the East value books and education a bit more than out West so this is of more importance to us. I don't think the library hours should be cut at all.

Folks out West sure pay a lot for what we get... every funding measure for schools and libraries sails through the polls even with Prop 13... so no Handcuffs in this Bay Area City

[CAVA1990]

Originally Posted by Guamanians

The ONLY time that we should support higher taxes is if we know that 100% of the money is going to the right causes. Most Americans are tired of giving to a corrupt government.

Well that's never gonna happen. I'd be happy if it's better than 50%.

[Guamanians]

Originally Posted by CAVA1990

Well that's never gonna happen. I'd be happy if it's better than 50%.

Yes, sadly you are correct. But, why should we "willingly" donate our money to a crooked government? I realize that there will always be some taxes, but why should the government need more money (or a higher % of money) than before? The Government does not run the country, we do! I think we will see a big-time shift in the political landscape this fall, and in 2012. Its time for local, state, and fed gov't to listen to the people

[Caladium]

Originally Posted by Doppelganger69

I, too, support higher taxes to support the libraries. And for smaller class sizes in the schools, too.

Although we can't donate money directly to the libraries to be used for librarian salaries, there are two ways to financially support them:

1. The Fairfax Library Foundation accepts monetary donations that can be used for various library purposes. Fairfax Library Foundation. It also has a "wish list" on Amazon, via which you can buy books directly for the library system. I did this a couple of months ago and it was a lot of fun to go shopping for the library. Amazon.com.

2. Most, if not all, local library branches have "Friends" organizations, that raise money for various library needs. Here is a link listing the various Friends: Become a Friend of the Library - FCPL. You can send an email to your local organization and ask how to make a donation.

Getting back to the subject of libraries... if you have a little bit of spare time, you can also donate volunteer hours to help do things like reshelve books. I'd rather see them use volunteers and cut a few of the non-skilled positions. Also, they could cut out a few of the magazine subscriptions and new acquisitions. Cuts like these are painful but might be a way to keep the buildings open. The collections are pretty good already, we could sail by for a little while on what we currently have.