05.12.08

Letter to the editor

Posted in SCFL, friends of the library tagged , , , , at 1:18 am by stellarwars

My letter to the editor about the upcoming library budget cuts was published yesterday. My initial draft was all outrage and dismay, however in the interest of being optimistic and forward-looking (under the advisement of a more savvy person) I decided to beginĀ  and end on a more positive note and ask people to support the library by joining their local FOL group, or to look at the Library Foundation web site for more ideas.

Sure, this is not the time for protest. I mean, what are we going to do? Cut some other essential human service so the library can stay open on Sundays? We’re lucky that our cuts are so minimal, actually. This is not the Board of Supervisors’ fault–it’s the economy’s fault.

I hope that concerned individuals understand that this is the prime time to get involved–by joining their Friends group.

05.02.08

Major cuts to SCFL system announced

Posted in SCFL, friends of the library tagged , , , , , , at 11:57 am by stellarwars

Front walkwayStanislaus County Librarian Vanessa Czopek issued recommendations yesterday to deal with the SCFL’s projected budget shortfall for FY 2008/2008. The recommendations include closing the Modesto Library on Sunday, letting all P/T employees go, and closing all branches an additional two days per week. The book budget will also decrease by one-third. WHAT??? It’s all bad news, folks…read about it here in the Modesto Bee piece Stanislaus County Library cuts 94 part-time jobs.

I’m shocked that this is happening Read the rest of this entry »