Under City management, library services within the City of Santa Clarita would be enhanced. We propose to increase the hours at Canyon Country and Newhall libraries by ten (10) hours each per week; this would open both branches on Sunday and match the schedule of the Valencia branch. This enhanced schedule would increase weekly hours at these two branches by nineteen percent (19%).
Q: Will the City’s takeover impact library service or hours in Santa Clarita?
A: Yes. The City will enhance service hours at the Canyon Country and Newhall branches, opening both on Sunday and increasing hours from 54 hours to 64 hours per week. This is an increase in hours of nearly 20%. The schedule of the Valencia library will remain at 64 hours per week.
Q: If I live outside the City, can I still go to the library once the City takes over?
A: Yes.
Q: Will everyone at the local libraries lose their jobs if the City takes over?
A: No. The staff employees of the Santa Clarita Libraries are employees of the Los Angeles County Public Library and would be reassigned to other libraries within that system. Employees who wish to remain in Santa Clarita will be given first priority to compete for those jobs.
Q: Is the special library parcel tax going to increase if the City takes over?
A: No.
Q: If the City takes over the libraries, will it take away from the City’s ability to provide other necessary services, programs or build other facilities?
A: No. The libraries are fully funded by revenue that can only be used for library purposes. Operating the libraries will have no impact on other city services.
Q: Who will own the three local libraries? How much will that cost taxpayers?
A: The City of Santa Clarita will own the three local libraries. The Canyon Country library facility is owned by the City. The city is constructing and will own the new library in Newhall. The City would purchase the Valencia library from Los Angeles County for an estimated $4.7 million by using library revenue.
Q: Will the City use the surplus monies for more library facilities or for other stuff?
A: No. Library revenue can only be used for library services.
Q: How many other cities (and who are they) run their own libraries?
A: Nearly half of the cities in Los Angeles County provide their own library services. Of the 10 largest cities in Los Angeles County, seven provide library services directly and three are provided service by the Los Angeles County Public Library. Santa Clarita is the largest city in Los Angeles County to not provide their own library services.
Q: Why does the City want to take on more services in this economic climate?
A: Santa Clarita wants to take on library operations in order to provide greater service to our community.
Q: Can the City operate and maintain the libraries less expensively than under current management?
A: Yes. Our calculations indicate we can provide more library services at a lower cost than the current arrangement.
Q: Who will handle service complaints if the City takes over?
A: The City of Santa Clarita.
Q: Will my old library card work if the City takes over?
A: No. You would need a new library card. This is a quick process and staff at the library will help expedite this transaction.
Q: Who will own the libraries if the City takes over?
A: The City of Santa Clarita.
Q: Does the City have any experience in running libraries?
A: The City will hire library services professionals to operate the three local library branches.
Q: How much money is generated by taxes for library services in Santa Clarita right now?
A: $6.5 million.
Q: How much money is being spent by the County for library services in Santa Clarita right now?
A: $6.1 million.
Q: If I want a special book from the County’s vast collection, will that be available to me?
A: Yes. Books will be available from all of the libraries in the region through inter-library loan.
Q: Will the City be able to do more special events at the libraries?
A: Yes. We will be able to tailor special events and programs to meet the specific needs of our local residents.
Q: Will the current library special parcel tax stay in place, change or go away?
A: The special parcel tax would remain in place at the same rate.
Q: What will happen to the old Newhall library site on Walnut Street?
A: The City could purchase the old Newhall library from Los Angeles County. Otherwise, Los Angeles County could use the facility or sell it at their discretion.