Will Oakland Budget Cuts Result in Closed Libraries?
How to Stay Informed and Get Involved
The City of Oakland's budget crisis could have a drastic impact on the Oakland Public Library if the City Council votes in favor of an all-cuts budget this month. The City Council is scheduled to meet several times during the month of June, and is required by law to vote on a resolution by the end of the month.
Council is currently considering three options proposed by Mayor Jean Quan. Option A, the so-called "all cuts" budget, would result in the closure of 14 branch libraries and greatly reduce services in the locations that remain open. The other two proposeals, Options B & C, would not affect the library significantly. The two extremes are due to the OPL's Measure Q funding, which currently covers more than half of the Library's costs. Measure Q would be nullified if cuts are made to the amount the Library receives from the city's general fund.
Since the mathematics of balancing the city's budget can be very complicated, Library Administration has released an FAQ sheet that covers the basic issues pertaining to the Library. Read the FAQ.
Library Director Carmen Martinez addressed the City Council on May 26. You are welcome to review Carmen Martinez's PowerPoint presentation.
You can also view video footage of the May 26 Council Meeting. Toggle up to minute 43 to see what Ms. Martinez had to say. The meeting also features many impassioned pleas from Library supporters.
Find out how you can get involved.
The City Council is scheduled to meet again on Tuesday, June 7, at 5:30 p.m.