A Critical Situation in California

Although the closings in Colton have gotten the most press, public libraries throughout California are facing budget cuts that could result in furloughs, layoffs, and reduced hours. A November 19 article in the Los Angeles Times captures the severity of the crisis in the southern part of the state and quotes Jackie Griffin, head of the Ventura County Library, as saying, “I’ve never seen such devastation in libraries.” In San Bernardino County, Library Director Ed Kieczykowski said the swift closing of the library in Colton would make it difficult for other libraries in the state: “If a city council determines libraries aren’t important to them, there is nothing we can do.” The only good news seems to be that Los Angeles city libraries are in slightly better shape, thanks to bond measures that have been passed over the years.