Cuts to public libraries are taking their toll on the system. Libraries across the Santa Cruz County system (which excludes Watsonville) are reporting a 26 percent decline in the number of people they are serving now that hours have been reduced. At the same time, they are also experiencing a 40 percent increase in the number of people who use the libraries when they are open.
The system is in the process of hiring a consultant, who will assist a task force created by the library board to make the libraries more sustainable. The cost of this consultant is being paid for by the nonprofit Friends of the Santa Cruz Public Libraries. Among the steps being discussed is the creation of a reserve fund of 5-10 percent. Advocates of the fund, including Director Teresa Landers say that this is necessary to ensure the libraries continued operation. Opposition is focused not on the idea of the fund itself , but whether 5-10 percent is actually enough to cover expenses.
