El Cerrito Residents to Vote on Funding New Library

EL CERRITO, CA — Are you will to raisde your own taxes to pay for a new library in El Cerrito?

The El Cerrito City Council voted unanimously to place a library funding measure on the November 2016 ballot.

The current library was built in 1948, long before computers and the infrastructure needed for them. The building also does not meet earthquake safety standards.

According to the city, library visits have increased 26 percent and circulation is up nearly 28 percent since 2006.

"After years of community engagement and feedback, we know we need to address the significant improvements needed to alleviate cramped and dilapidated conditions at the current El Cerrito Library. It’s too overcrowded and small for what our community needs,” remarked El Cerrito Mayor Greg Lyman.

“When school gets out, the Library is packed with children. More space will allow more after-school and summer reading programs for youth and children, group study areas, additional public computers, and more room for our popular children’s story times. These programs help keep our youth off the streets and out of trouble,” added El Cerrito Community Librarian Liz Ruhland.

Mayor Lyman said, “All funding from the Measure is required to be locally-controlled, with independent citizen oversight, mandatory financial audits and yearly reports to the community to ensure all funds are spent as promised.”

The library measure will be on the Tuesday, November 8, 2016 general election ballot.

--Image via Shutterstock