Measure L which was recently approved by voters on the March 8 ballot, reverses recent devastating cuts imposed on the Los Angeles Public Library, and over the next four years, restores library the Monday service at all 73 libraries and seven-day service at nine regional libraries. Additionally, it provides increased access to services including the largest network of after-school programs in the city, without raising taxes.
Library hours have been reduced three times in the past 12 months, and library staff has been cut by 28 percent, at a time when demand for library services is at record levels.
The city charter currently guarantees the library department funding equal to .0175 percent of the assessed value of all property in the city. However, in recent years, the library has been required to repay the general fund a larger portion of its overhead costs, such as water and power, security and building maintenance. These added expenses severely crippled the library’s ability to operate.
Measure L changes the city charter, gradually raising the level of guaranteed funding to .03% of assessed property value over a period of four years. This increase in funding allows the department to fully reimburse the general fund for all overhead expenses, restore library service on Mondays and Sundays, and purchase new books.
