Link to May 4 San Jose Mercury News article, "Best of times, worst of times for Palo Alto libraries: Cuts loom despite $76M in bond projects".
Excerpt: Fortunate timing means that Palo Alto may be able to save its taxpayers millions on the city's Measure N library bond construction projects, an official said Monday.
For library supporters, however, there is a vexing irony: those savings can't be used to stave off a series of proposed cuts, including shortened hours and extended closures.
The distinction is that the $76 million bond passed by voters in November 2008 can only be spent on facilities. Meanwhile, the city's general fund — which covers library operations among many other services — faces a $7.3 million deficit.
So while plans for snazzy features such as roof gardens and an outdoor cafe at the new, $42 million Mitchell Park Library are sailing smoothly, the city may delay the reopening of College Terrace Library by eight months to save a mere $74,000.
And all five libraries may close on Mondays, with at least two workers laid off, to save another $215,000.
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