Longtime plans to expand the Earl & Birdie Taylor Branch Library, 4275 Cass St., remain idle as funding proves elusive. The addition of approximately 2,516 square feet was initially proposed in 2002 as part of the city’s 21st Century Library Improvement Program, which includes 12 new libraries and 12 expansions to existing facilities.
To date, only four of the 24 projects have been completed. Funding continues to be the main obstacle, and a familiar one for many city departments and projects. The improvement program requires that all libraries meet a 15,000-square-foot space requirement. Currently, the Pacific Beach library has 12,484 square feet.
San Diego Public Library spokesperson Arian Collins said that the odds of the expansion being completed by its 2011 deadline are not favorable.
“There’s a good chance that it won’t be that soon unless funding comes forward,” Collins said. “The Pacific Beach [library] is far down the list.”
According to Collins, grants are a prime source of revenue and vary from state to federal. The nature of the project also dictates its eligibility for certain grants. For example, a new Logan Heights library will be integrated into a school site, which opened up more funding opportunities.
The few funds available for library projects are tied up in four improvements around the city. The North University City and Serra Mesa branches are currently under construction and expected to open by fiscal year 2007, while the city is slated to break ground this year on the Logan Heights branch. Additionally, preliminary work on the 366,094-square-foot main library downtown is underway, although the bulk of the project is on hold pending funding. The latter two received funds from a 2000 proposition passed by California voters totaling $25 million.
On Nov. 7, California voters will weigh in once again on library funding with Proposition 81. Should the measure be approved, the state would sell $600 million in bonds to fund grants for local library expansions, improvements and new buildings. The principal and interest would be paid back over 30 years, at a final estimated cost to the state of $1.2 billion. Proposition 81 requires that the local agencies benefiting from the grants provide $320 million statewide toward the projects, as well as absorb any resulting operating costs.
Donations are also an important part of funding for library projects. The San Diego Public Library Foundation and the library’s development staff solicit gifts and seek grants on a regular basis, while continuously prioritizing the list of work to be done.
“We’re always looking for people that are interested [in donating],” Collins said.
The proposed expansion in Pacific Beach would be used for extra books, materials, computers and meeting space. While the concept is still largely abstract, an influx of money could get the ball rolling and the design drawn.
Although the city’s declining fiscal health has resulted in years of reductions to library hours, Collins said it is important to pursue the improvements regardless.
“You don’t just stop planning the expansions or new facilities completely,” he said, adding that budget cuts are cyclical.
For more information on the 21st Century Library Improvement Program, visit www.sandiego.gov/public-library/about-the-library/projects.shtml.