Somebody needs to tell the people of Berkeley about a new innovation—THE INTERNET. At 3:00am on a Sunday morning, the library is closed, but the Internet is open to all questions and information. While the library may have a book checked out, the Internet, unless there is a Newsom electrical blackout, is always ready to respond.
The Internet does not go on strike. Libraries are todays version of the buggy whip. No unions, no strikes, no Hamas invasions. Want story time? Get a non-profit to provide that 2-3 hours a week service.
- “A limited library tax measure, aimed at preventing cuts in staffing, hours and programs at the Berkeley Public Library, was proposed by the City of Berkeley Board of Library Trustees, which requested city council add it to the November ballot.
Director of Library Services Tess Mayer said the measure would install a new, limited tax of 6 cents per square feet of residential building space and 9 cents per square feet of commercial space. Mayer explained that the tax is projected to raise an annual $5.6 million and would exempt low-income homeowners.
More property tax, less money for the family or business. Grow up—create a museum for libraries—and get into the 21st Century.
Berkeley library tax measure requested to appear on November ballot
Matthew Yoshimoto, DailyCal, 6/3/24 https://www.dailycal.org/news/city/berkeley-library-tax-measure-requested-to-appear-on-november-ballot/article_6ee00d36-2160-11ef-85f7-afd56d90a037.html
- A limited library tax measure, aimed at preventing cuts in staffing, hours and programs at the Berkeley Public Library, was proposed by the City of Berkeley Board of Library Trustees, which requested city council add it to the November ballot.
Director of Library Services Tess Mayer said the measure would install a new, limited tax of 6 cents per square feet of residential building space and 9 cents per square feet of commercial space. Mayer explained that the tax is projected to raise an annual $5.6 million and would exempt low-income homeowners.
Mayer noted that the Berkeley Public Library is anticipating a revenue deficit for library operations in the near future. She explained that the measure would keep the library well staffed with its regular hours and would support library programs such as story times, homework help and summer learning, among others.
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The library would also use the funding toward improvements in technological infrastructure such as updating the Library’s website and large-scale deferred maintenance projects such as replacing its air conditioning.
District 5 City Councilmember Sophie Hahn said the measure aligns with the city’s strong commitment to supporting library workers.
Hahn has served on the Board of Library Trustees for eight years and shared her support of the measure. She explained that libraries serve as a space for people of all ages and backgrounds to gather and find community.
Mayer highlighted the library’s role as a vital community resource, whether it’s for borrowing books, using computers, printing homework, participating in family lunchtime activities or attending educational programs.
“Libraries are very important in Berkeley in a myriad of ways—that is part of what is so special about what we do and how we serve the community,” Mayer said in an email. “People come together in our libraries to attend programs, connect with each other, learn and have fun.”
If the tax does not pass in November, Mayer explained that the library would have to implement cost-saving initiatives including freezing hiring, considering potential reductions in service hours and workforce and reducing funding for maintenance projects.
The library receives 99% of its total revenue from a special tax through the Library Relief Act of 1980, according to a report from the president of the Board of Library Trustees Amy Roth.
The tax is adjusted annually, but the revenue increase has “not kept pace with rising costs associated with increased personnel and collection material expenses and the costs of operating five locations,” the report reads.
Mayer noted organizations such as the Berkeley Public Library Foundation and the Friends of the Berkeley Public Library are main proponents of the measure and have described them as “strong advocates” for increasing access to public library services.
“As places that provide free access to books, recreational and educational resources and opportunities, and technology, public libraries are foundational to a functioning democracy and serve on the frontlines of the fight against censorship,” Mayer said in the email.
Berkeley needs more library hours and more staff. Where are the homeless going to go on cold days to keep warm and on hot days to keep cool? A 6 cent property tax on a 3,000 square home is only $180 a year. Low income earners are exempt so only middle income and the rich will actually pay the tax. As for businesses, add another cent on the price of the hamburger so this way only those who can afford to eat out are paying the tax.