Pasadena Central Library (Photo – cityofpasadena.net)
PASADENA – ColoradoBoulevard.net:
After almost 15 years since its last renewal, the library revenue source for the Pasadena Public Libraries will expire in February 2023, and can only be continued by a public vote.
By News Desk
The City Council placed Measure L, the Pasadena Public Library Services Continuation Measure, on the November 8, 2022 ballot. Voters will decide whether to continue the revenue source for Pasadena Public Library programs and services. If approved, it will continue to generate approximately $2.8 million annually for the next 15 years.
The Pasadena Public Libraries deliver on equity and inclusion for Pasadena residents. The libraries play a critical role in educating our children and youth and look into the future with programs that include robotics, computer coding, 3-D printing, and a hands-on lab for tinkering, designing, creating, and much more.
The parcel tax generates about 20% of the library budget. The revenue is used to keep libraries open and well-maintained, purchase up-to-date books and materials, support library programs and services, offer access to computers and Wi-Fi, and retain qualified librarians. It has enabled the Pasadena Public Library to bring many technological improvements to the library, including an advanced search engine; a computerized magazine and newspaper index; a new online library catalog; and public access to the internet with terminals at all library locations.
The operations of the Library and Information Services Department are funded primarily by the General Fund and supplemented by the voter approved parcel taxes annually:
| Single Family and Condominiums | $40.86 |
| Duplexes & Larger | $26.83/unit |
| Non-Residential | $298.99 |
For most taxpayers, this tax can be deducted from Federal income taxes. Exemptions are provided for qualified seniors, disabled, and low-income owners.
If the existing funding through the “Pasadena Public Library Services Continuation Measure” (Measure L) is not maintained, the library would lose approximately $2.8 million annually, or 20% of its budget, which could lead to the closure of neighborhood library branches, a reduction of books and collections, a reduction in library hours, the loss of qualified librarians, and cuts in other significant programs and services offered to our community.
> For more information on Measure L, the Pasadena Public Library Services Continuation Measure, visit CityofPasadena.net/MeasureL.
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