Volunteers for the Library? : Coping with major curtailments of services throughout L.A. library system

The Los Angeles Central Library, greatly modernized and expanded, is scheduled to reopen its doors in late 1993, seven years after a deliberately set fire gutted the historic structure and damaged or destroyed nearly half of its 2 million volumes. But the celebration accompanying the reopening is likely to be muted by the somber recognition that cuts in operating funds have forced major curtailments of services throughout the library system. City-run libraries, their operating budgets cut $2.8 million this year, can only look ahead to further reductions in the hours they are open, smaller staffs, fewer book purchases.

All this comes at a time when library patronage has been soaring--up nearly 20% since 1990. To help meet rising demands from a growing population, voters approved a construction bond issue three years ago. But while more and expanded regional and community libraries are in the works, funds to stock and operate them are not keeping pace. Earlier closing hours prevent many, both students and working adults, from using the libraries’ resources.

The fiscal crisis in government of course affects all public programs and services. It’s hard to plead that the libraries should be exempt. But it’s hard, too, to see this great educational and cultural asset facing forced underutilization because of inadequate operating funds. The public needs the libraries, and the libraries need help. Is there scope here for greater public volunteerism, if only to extend the hours when libraries can keep their doors open?