Dick Hagerty: Busy Stanislaus County Library needs tax to thrive

Our new Stanislaus County Library director, Diane McDonnell, has been on the job for only 18 months and is already facing the ominous reality of going to the voters and asking for another extension of the one-eighth cent sales tax that supports some 88 percent of our total library operation.

The cost to the average family is only $20 per year, which is a bargain by any measure.

Sadly, the last time this tax came up for voter approval, proponents asked only for the minimum five-year extension even though the law allowed for more than three times that period. I was outspoken in asking that the extension be for a maximum period of 16 years, but many felt voters would be more receptive to a shorter period. And, of course, it passed with more than 80 percent approval – indicating that voters clearly support the library and likely would have approved the tax for a longer period.

The current tax expires in June 2018, but the extension must be placed on the June 2017 ballot. So, McDonnell is already putting together a task force and planning team.

My concern is that by then another local tax also might be on the ballot, such as a road and highway improvement measure or another public safety tax. If the ballot is cluttered with more than one tax measure, it might give voters pause to approve any of them.

It looks as if a transportation tax will be on the ballot in November, but the close proximity of these measures will not be helpful for success of either measure.

On a more positive note, the library is operating very efficiently. More than 2 million visits per year, 1.9 million items circulated and more than 1 million website visits indicate a lot of folks are getting a lot of value for their investment.

I visit my local Oakdale branch several times a week, and I note the bank of computers is always full – generally with a waiting list to access free computer and Internet time. Free Wi-Fi is available to all who bring their own devices to any branch.

I also note regular activities and resources for youngsters beginning with preschool, including Storytime, reading clubs, Summer Reading and Lego days. Legos was a special favorite of our 6-year-old nephew who lived with us last year. He loved wading into the mound of assorted pieces, alongside a dozen or more other kids his age, and creating all sorts of free-form art. The best pieces go on display for the month and I often see little guys standing in front of the glass case admiring the work of their peers.

Literacy programs are available for preschoolers and for adults through a tutoring partnership with Learning Quest. In a community where workforce literacy is a real problem for employers, this is critical to the economic growth of our area.

Recently, the library website was upgraded and made much more user friendly. The e-book system, which allows patrons to have up to three books on their personal devices, has expanded and use is dramatically increasing. A grant has been obtained to reach out and connect with veterans. Steps are being taken to join the “Link+” system, which would enable our library to borrow from other libraries across California.

Another innovation is “Makerspace.” This is a resource center that allows patrons to explore interests in technology, science, art, crafts and sewing in a hands-on environment.

McDonnell informs me that she and her staff have aggressively sought out new sources of revenue through grants, foundation fundraising and donations. This was a real key point raised by many in the last election. The message was: “The library needs to seek out funding from other sources besides the sales tax.” And that has been seriously pursued.

Unfortunately, raising more than $10 million per year through such sources is pretty unrealistic.

No column about the library would be complete without mentioning my dog Mali, who was the only dog to hold a county library card. Sadly, Mali died last year. But I am planning to test the limits of our new librarian soon when I apply for a card for my new bulldog, Rocky.

This story was originally published March 18, 2016 at 11:13 AM with the headline "Dick Hagerty: Busy Stanislaus County Library needs tax to thrive."