Libraries

Libraries

The League first studied libraries on the Monterey Peninsula in 1962. A more detailed study was made in 1971 and updated in 1981-1982. In 1993 the Leagues of Women Voters of the Monterey Peninsula and Salinas Valley (now merged to be LWV of Monterey County) conducted a two-year joint study of the public libraries. The Leagues' position follows:

Public libraries are a basic service of government. The Leagues support measures to maintain and/or improve library services, to provide effective funding, and to promote cooperation among public libraries of Monterey County.

Objectives:
1. Public library service is a basic service of government.
2. It is the responsibility of local governments (County and City) to be the primary source of funding for public libraries.
3. Support State funding to equalize services among local jurisdictions.
4. Support maintaining and/or improving library service.
5. Support measures which provide effective funding for public libraries.
6. Support exploration of additional funding from both public and private sources for public libraries in this county. Possible sources: grants, foundations, Friends Groups, volunteers, and collaborative efforts of libraries with schools and other public and private agencies.
7. Support cooperation among public libraries in Monterey County.
8. Support city and county libraries' exploration of effective cooperative approaches, whether they involve two jurisdictions, five jurisdictions, or any combination thereof.
9. Support cooperative systems and library networks such as Monterey Bay Area Cooperative (MOBAC) Library System when they are both service- and cost-effective.
10. Support free access for Monterey County residents to all public libraries in Monterey County.
11. Support free borrowing privileges for county residents in all public libraries in Monterey County.
12. Support exploration of funding for free borrowing, including user fees for special services, merging of jurisdictions, and increased public funds (taxes).
13. Support the establishment of a group representing the public libraries of Monterey County, or a wider area, to study cooperative efforts, equity of service, various methods of providing service, and funding options.
14. Support effective notification and public participation in the process of making policy decisions for public libraries.