Menlo council to discuss library's future Menlo council to discuss library's future (June 09, 2004)

How do you keep a public library up-to-date and relevant for everyone when funds are limited? That's the difficulty the Menlo Park City Council will try to tackle on Tuesday, June 8.

A group of residents has helped create a three-year plan for the main library and Belle Haven branch that includes proposals such as upgrading the lighting, furnishings and landscaping; improving the reference and other collections; adding a young adult services librarian; and expanding the computer area.

These proposals could cost $2 million in capital costs and $500,000 annually in operating expenses, according to a staff report by library services director Susan Holmer.

In the 12 years since the main library moved into an expanded building, use has almost doubled, with about 577,000 materials circulating annually by the end of fiscal year 2002-03, Ms. Holmer wrote.

But the city's tight budget has already caused cuts to the library, both in facility and staff hours. So the plan also suggests several funding options for council discussion: creating a library foundation; and instituting a special library parcel, utility, or sales tax.

The council is scheduled to discuss the plan at a 6 p.m. study session, held in Room 112 at the Burgess Recreation Center at 700 Alma St.

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