26 replies to this topic

[Lisa in Folsom]

It is my understanding that the City is recommending permanently closing the new Siefkin library at Vista Del Lago effective after Memorial Day. I am curious to hear what others think about this.

My feeling is that a lot of money was put into the facility and there are significant advantages to having a dual purpose; it serves as both a school library as well as a public library. It also is highly utilized after school as a safe place for students to study, meet and use the computers.

Apparently the shortfall is $60,000 for the next fiscal year. It seems to me that some creativity and fundraising outreach could close the gap - what do you think?

[SacKen]

...
Apparently the shortfall is $60,000 for the next fiscal year. It seems to me that some creativity and fundraising outreach could close the gap - what do you think?

No creativity needed. That sounds like it is significantly less than the cost of one useless administrator.

[That Guy]

Lisa,

Is this a one-time shortfall or is potentially an annual shortfall?

[Lisa in Folsom]

Lisa,

Is this a one-time shortfall or is potentially an annual shortfall?

My understanding it that is the shortfall for for next year, all subject to City revenues. I would assume that the idea is that the City is looking at cutting $60k from the library budget and recommending that Siefkin would be closed in response to the cuts. If the economy changes in any direction, the revenue cuts could be increased or decreased in the following year.

One comment that was made was that there is a foundation for the Library that has some funding (no idea how much), but that the City says that since it is not a long term solution, they don't want to go that route (my understanding). I look at it and suggest that fluff (summer reading program) be cut, perhaps Siefkin is closed during the summer when school is out, and the foundation make up the difference so it is open for at least the school year. We can then deal with the following year when it comes. The foundation would have some time to reach out to the community to raise some money.

[Barb J]

That would be such a shame. Why doesn't the Friends of the Folsom Library do some fundraising? $60,000 isn't that much in the scheme of things.

Barb J

[magahai]

Is the Vista Del Lago swimming pool being utilized to its maximum intent? Would be a pity to close the library, in favor of supporting the operational/maintenace costs of a seldomly used pool. Hope the city can find an amicable solution.

[supermom]

errrg.

How much responsibility does the school district have to keep the library open?

[momtogirls]

I also heard this. This means that the SCHOOL library would also be closed or VERY limited. Come on parents of Vista students...... Use your voice

[legofamily]

Such a shame. Libraries are a great resource. Hopefully they can find a way to keep it open.

[2kids4me]

Is the Vista Del Lago swimming pool being utilized to its maximum intent? Would be a pity to close the library, in favor of supporting the operational/maintenace costs of a seldomly used pool. Hope the city can find an amicable solution.

Not sure how much the pool is used off season, but the HS has a swim team, plus there is a summer rec team. Definitely not year-round, but probably worth keeping open.

$60,000 doesn't seem like much. I hope they can find a way to work it out.

[MikeinFolsom]

At least the city pool is still heated. Even in the dead of winter with only two people swimming in it. And the zoo is still open. And the.....and the......guys...it goes on and on and on.....

[kaybird]

I volunteer at the main library branch and would be happy to volunteer at Siefkin branch as well. I bet I'm not the only one. Maybe bringing in some extra help from the community might close the budget shortfall?

[the_professor]

I also heard this. This means that the SCHOOL library would also be closed or VERY limited. Come on parents of Vista students...... Use your voice

FCUSD is cutting all librarians next year.

[nomad]

FCUSD is cutting all librarians next year.

Is this new? Seems like they do it every year.

[DustyDog]

Sorry to hear but am not surprised. I tried to go several times over the past year but it always seemed to be closed. I've given up and stick to just going to the main branch.