Measure L http://yesforfresnolibraries.com Yes for Fresno Libraries! Tue, 04 Nov 2008 20:55:43 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.6 en Final stretch http://yesforfresnolibraries.com/2008/10/final-stretch/ http://yesforfresnolibraries.com/2008/10/final-stretch/#comments Fri, 31 Oct 2008 02:04:43 +0000 admin http://yesforfresnolibraries.com/?p=113 There will be a precinct calling on Saturday, November 1 from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon. Please bring your cell phone. There are critical precincts to call.

]]> http://yesforfresnolibraries.com/2008/10/final-stretch/feed/ Measure L Campaign Headquarters Grand Opening http://yesforfresnolibraries.com/2008/09/measure-l-campaign-headquarters-grand-opening/ http://yesforfresnolibraries.com/2008/09/measure-l-campaign-headquarters-grand-opening/#comments Fri, 26 Sep 2008 00:35:50 +0000 admin http://yesforfresnolibraries.com/?p=69
  • Where: 2141 Tuolumne Street, Suite C102, Fresno CA 93721 (Tuolumne and L in downtown Fresno)
  • When: Saturday, September 27, 2008
  • Time: 11:00 a.m.
  • From: Deborah Ikeda, Chairperson. The Citizens for 21st Century Libraries

    • Please join the friends and supporters of Measure L as we kick off our campaign at our headquarters located in downtown Fresno. Invited guests and supporters of Measure L are: Former Sheriff Steve Magarian and Hal McKinney, Former Superintendent Dr. Pete Mehas, Superintendent Larry Powell, Business leaders Sally Caglia and James Hallowell, Past President of the League of Mexican-American Women and Farmer and Author David Mas Masumoto (partial list). For more information you may call us at 559-291-5943 or visit our website at: www.yesforfresnolibraries.com

    ]]>     http://yesforfresnolibraries.com/2008/09/measure-l-campaign-headquarters-grand-opening/feed/     The Vision for 21st Century Libraries http://yesforfresnolibraries.com/2008/09/the-vision-for-21st-century-libraries/ http://yesforfresnolibraries.com/2008/09/the-vision-for-21st-century-libraries/#comments Sun, 14 Sep 2008 01:11:30 +0000 admin http://dev.yesforfresnolibraries.com/?p=46
    What is Measure L?
    A proposed tax for library operations and facilities. ¼ cent sales tax for 16 year, or 25 cents on every $100 spent, takes effect April 1, 2009
    What is Measure B?
    Current tax for library operations with construction of new libraries as lowest priority. 1/8 cent sales tax for 7 year, or 12.5 cents for every $100 spent, expires March 31, 2013. Tax is eliminated if Measure L passes.
    What gets done first?
    Library staff recommended a project list which is a combination of service and facility improvements. Every community benefits in some way.   

    • Service improvements can be implemented first.
    • Renovation and many smaller facility improvements will come later.
    • Construction of new libraries takes longer because of the planning time line and because it will take time to accumulate revenue.

    Focus on branch libraries…
    Conservative estimates are that 16 new libraries will be built or expanded. These carefully selected libraries combined with libraries already completed or underway would mean 83% of the population would have an expanded library in their own rural and urban neighborhood.
    What about the Central Library?
    The Central Library is the mother ship for all the branches. A strong Central Library is critical to support branches. At 49 years old, it is one of the three oldest buildings in the system; however, it is not recommended as a priority project.
    Can we build branches and Central?
    It depends… Estimates for additional revenue from Measure L vary from $225 million to $335 million over the 16-year period. Actual revenue will be dependent on economic cycles. Three other sources of revenue can significantly increase revenues. 1. Private contributions. 2. State Bond Act of 2010 ($4 billion providing 2/3 state funding) 3. Fees on construction of new homes.
    What about the economy?
    Libraries provide value to their community. Since Measure B first passed in 1998 library checkouts have soared from 1.5 million to well over 3 million, open hours doubled, questions answered doubled, computer use sessions gone from 200,000 to a million, and annual programs given increased from 2000 to 6000.
    Use is growing even more as people turn to their libraries as they always do during economic downturns. Library use last year rose 6%.
    An additional l/2 million dollars would provide more support for those searching for jobs and careers.
    Renovation and construction of new libraries supports the economy. All things being equal, County policy gives preference to local firms.
    The necessities of life are excluded from sales tax: this includes food, drugs and medicines, purchases made with food stamps, health services, and utilities: gas and electricity.
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