Money Matters, Part I
This morning I was invited to speak to a group of local women who are active in the community. It surprised me that a number of them did not know the Altadena Library District is independent. It is not part of the County of Los Angeles Public Library system or the Pasadena Public Library system. Altadenans voted in 1955 to take local control and to be responsible for the Library’s maintenance.
Our Library buildings, operations, programs and services are funded primarily by a parcel tax that the County collects on our behalf. The last parcel tax increase passed in 2004 with 77% voter approval. Altadenans clearly support their Library.
Other funding comes from grants, from donations of the Friends of the Altadena Library and from various individuals and organizations.
Right now, our Library has some pressing needs. The roof needs repairs to stop the leaks. The Library buildings and property must also be brought into compliance with accessibility requirements of the Americans With Disabilities Act.
These needs require additional funding.
To seek additional funding from corporate, foundation and government sources, there must be a current strategic plan in place. The Library’s last 5-year plan was completed in 1998. We need a new one that maps out where additional revenue might come from and how to obtain it.
One of my first actions as a member of the Altadena Library Board would be to urge the development of a new strategic plan. This strategic planning process should be community-wide and engage residents young and old, as well as the staff, and the Board.
We Altadenans are proud that we have our own Library. It’s up to all of us to keep it healthy so it can meet the growing needs of our community today and into the future.
Our Library buildings, operations, programs and services are funded primarily by a parcel tax that the County collects on our behalf. The last parcel tax increase passed in 2004 with 77% voter approval. Altadenans clearly support their Library.
Other funding comes from grants, from donations of the Friends of the Altadena Library and from various individuals and organizations.
Right now, our Library has some pressing needs. The roof needs repairs to stop the leaks. The Library buildings and property must also be brought into compliance with accessibility requirements of the Americans With Disabilities Act.
These needs require additional funding.
To seek additional funding from corporate, foundation and government sources, there must be a current strategic plan in place. The Library’s last 5-year plan was completed in 1998. We need a new one that maps out where additional revenue might come from and how to obtain it.
One of my first actions as a member of the Altadena Library Board would be to urge the development of a new strategic plan. This strategic planning process should be community-wide and engage residents young and old, as well as the staff, and the Board.
We Altadenans are proud that we have our own Library. It’s up to all of us to keep it healthy so it can meet the growing needs of our community today and into the future.
Labels: About the Library
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