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CLA President Issues Statement on Closure of Colton Public Library System
SACRAMENTO - The City of Colton may permanently close its library system, leaving more than 51,000 residents without local library services until further notice.
Colton city leaders have chosen to close its public library system in an effort to save $4 million in the current fiscal year. No date has been given as to when the City's libraries will reopen.
The timing of this closure conflicts with statewide increases in library usage and demand. According to California Library Association President, Kim Bui-Burton, "in this difficult economy, Colton's two libraries and homework center are the heart of support for the city's residents."
Ms. Bui-Burton adds that Colton's libraries "provide literacy and lifelong learning activities for all ages, through academic enrichment for students and economic advancement for adults and businesses. In addition, the libraries provide free access to the Internet for job searching and application.
"The Colton libraries are a welcoming community place where limited public resources can be widely shared and benefit all.
"CLA recognizes the extraordinary difficult financial situation faced by the City of Colton and many other California communities. There are no easy solutions, only painful choices. Cutting library support should not be one of these choices."
The California Library Association appeals to the City of Colton to seek whatever remedies are possible to keep their libraries open and communities served. Ms. Bui-Burton adds that "it is hoped that library service can be restored so that the information lifeline that citizens desperately need in these times of crises will be there for them."
About the California Library Association
Established in 1895, the California Library Association is a 501(c)(3) non-profit association that provides leadership for the development, promotion, and improvement of library services, librarianship, and the library community. CLA helps its 3,000 members excel in a fast-changing job market and is a resource for learning about new ideas and technology. Furthermore, CLA is a leading advocate on all statewide library
issues and actively works to influence legislation affecting libraries and librarians. Governed by an elected Board of Directors, CLA is headquartered in Folsom, California.
More information may be obtained at www.cla-net.org
Printable Press Release (116 K)
Posted on November 18, 2009 9:29 AM | Permalink