DEAR EDITOR:
Measure B, the county library measure, is, in my opinion, the
best bang for the buck out of all those on the upcoming ballot.
DEAR EDITOR:
Measure B, the county library measure, is, in my opinion, the best bang for the buck out of all those on the upcoming ballot. Regardless of the fact that times are still hard for many here in Santa Clara County, this is one measure that truly serves the entire community at a basement bargain cost. Young to old, rich to homeless, preschool to well-educated, our county library system serves everyone.
Where else can you go and use a computer for two hours or more for free, including the first 10 sheets of paper, to type a term paper, letter, book, create a PowerPoint presentation, etc., and even get free tech support on the use of the applications? Where else can you go and check out a copy of a first-run movie for a week for free? Where else can you get free home improvement information?
Recently when the thermocouple on my water heater went out, I found no less than four books on the shelves of the Gilroy Library alone that dealt with home repairs, and saved myself somewhere between $100 and $150 by replacing the part myself.
Daily I see our middle and high school students in the library working on their homework together and doing research via the computers. Many people also use the computers to check e-mail and keep in touch with families in other countries. Those with Internet access at home can even search the countywide library’s catalog over the Web, place items on hold, and check their account. The library also offers many music cds, audio books, foreign language materials, local and national newspapers and periodicals, not to mention the tons of books, CDs, DVDs, videos, story times, etc., offered in the children’s area.
Unlike other propositions which want your tax dollars to expand their supposed service to you, Measure B only asks enough to maintain the current level of service being given. In 1993-94, when the state diverted the special district funds to education, the library’s budget was reduced by 40 percent, leading to greatly shortened hours of operation and limited acquisition of new materials, as well as longer lines for reference help and at checkout. Measure A was passed in 1994, and in 1995 the library was able to restore, not increase, it’s previous level of service.
Now the library faces the same dilemma. To maintain the same level of service will cost taxpayers only $8 more per year than it did 10 years ago. Where else can so much be had for so little an increase after a 10-year timespan??
A YES vote on Measure B at the polls on March 2 will be the best money you could ever spend for yourself, your family, and your community.
Mary Yates, Gilroy
Submitted Friday, Feb. 20 to [email protected]
