PD Editorial: Support your local library: Yes on M

Based on average income and property values, Sonoma County is listed as the 12th wealthiest in the state. But when it comes to spending on local public libraries, we are one of the stingiest.

In San Francisco, per-capita spending on libraries is $113 a year. In Marin County, where funding is augmented by a $49 per year parcel tax voters first approved in 2010, libraries receive $95 for every resident. In Napa County, per-capita spending is $53. But in Sonoma County, it’s a mere $33 for each resident.

The library resources here are also meager by comparison. Due to recession-driven declines in revenue, all 13 libraries in Sonoma County are now closed on Mondays, all but the Central Library in Santa Rosa are closed on Sundays, and most branches are shuttered at 6 p.m. on most nights of the week. Meanwhile, library staff and resources have been cut dramatically. The reduced hours leave little opportunity for students and adults to take advantage of library services after class or after work.

There’s also little hope that any funding support will be coming from Sacramento lawmakers.

For that reason, voters of Sonoma County are being asked to decide on Measure M, which would raise the sales tax across the county by one-eighth of a cent to provide more revenue for libraries.

The Press Democrat supports Measure M. Voters should encourage others to support it as well. Given that the measure require a two-thirds majority to pass, every vote will count.

Measure M, which is slated to expire in 10 years, would cost residents a mere 50 cents on a purchase of $400.

It’s a modest sum. But given that it will be spread across the county, it would mean a much-needed surge in reliable funding for the library system. The tax would generate roughly $10 million a year, adding critical support to a system that serves a county of nearly 500,000 people on a budget of $14 million a year. That’s down from a pre-recession high of about $17 million.

If the measure is approved, library officials are committed to reopening branches on Mondays, extending evening hours and restoring services to pre-2011 levels. With the addition of more staff, libraries also would be able to provide more services, classes and other offerings, particularly for children.

The libraries also are looking to acquire new technology while also setting aside funds for needed upgrades to existing facilities.

From Guerneville to Rincon Valley to Petaluma, libraries serve as de facto community centers, providing valuable community gathering spots, after-school learning environments for students and resource centers for adults looking for employment or new careers.

Even with the passage of Measure M, Sonoma County would still be among the lowest counties in the state in per-capita spending on libraries, coming in at roughly $45 a year.

Given that, Sonoma County voters can’t afford to miss this opportunity to support and upgrade its library system. The Press Democrat recommends a yes vote on Measure M.