The future of the Pacific Grove Public Library is clearer than it was two weeks ago, thanks to the City Council's request for a "ramp up" funding increase to the City budget. Your voices were heard!
At their June 17 meeting the Council will receive a proposed $116,000 Library increase beginning in the second quarter of the 2020/2021 fiscal year. This will add two 3/4 time Library employees, starting in October, and one 3/4 time Library employee, starting in December, to the three remaining Library staff.
The Friends Board applauds this important first step toward restoring Library services, given the City's current financial situation. We thank the Council for their leadership and continued support for the Library. We recognize the Council and staff's commitment to monitor the budget, and make adjustments as feasible.
We know the remaining Library staff are working hard to move from the Holman back to 550 Central, ensure State health and safety requirements, and develop a new model for limited Library service with 50% less staff when our wonderful renewed library is allowed to reopen.
With Council approval of this increased budget recommendation, and bringing back staff as soon as possible, I believe we are much closer to having in person Library services return to Pacific Grove.
For now:
If you'd like to contact the Council and City staff before Wednesday's meeting via email citycouncil@cityofpacificgrove.org, dave@laredolaw.net, heidi@laredolaw.net
If you'd like to send me any additional comments or thoughts via email FriendsPGLib@gmail.com
You can stay informed by watching the twice monthly City Council and quarterly Library Board meetings online. Our website, and quarterly Friends newsletters, will provide more information on Friends and Library activities, and opportunities to help.
The Friends Board will maintain our partnership with the City, the Foundation, and the Library Board to advance the future of the Library for our community. As always, thank you for being a Friend of the Pacific Grove Public Library!
Kim Bui
Friends President