Stockton Loves Its Libraries

As the City Librarian for the Stockton-San Joaquin County Public Library, the challenges that this library system faces right now have been forefront in my mind since I arrived in Stockton almost six weeks ago. The City of Stockton's current fiscal crisis has created a sense of uncertainty about the future for City employees and all area residents alike.

In the case of the Library, we are looking at possible lay-offs for the coming fiscal year just one year after losing around one-third of all Library positions last year. And, of course, losing staff means more for the Library and the community than simply that very dire consequence. As the size of our staff decreases, so does our ability to provide service; we may be forced to close some branch libraries completely! Over the course of the past couple of weeks, Stockton Councilmembers have been hosting town hall meetings about next year's budget and I've attended every one. The message has been the same each and every time: "don't close our libraries!". It has been, in fact, heartening to hear the voices of so many Stockton residents telling their elected officials how important libraries are in their lives. The educational value of libraries has been a consistent message at these meetings as has been the importance of libraries in providing an affordable alternative for the area youth rather than getting involved in activities leading to higher crime rates as these same youth grow up.

Listening to the stories relayed to me by concerned library advocates before and after every town hall meeting has underscored for me the devotion this community feels for their library system. I have, though, been doubly impressed with the level of library support as demonstrated by the variety of advocacy groups and efforts that are operating outside of the Library's formal operating structure. SSJCPL enjoys great support from a variety of Friends groups, the Library & Literacy Foundation, and Stockton2020 (each of which I'll share more about in a series of posts over the next several days).

It's clear, though, that regardless of this City's support of their libraries goes beyond even our organized advocacy. This morning, I noticed a tweet from a local business person spreading the news about the Friends of the Stockton Library Bookstore featuring an awesome video showing what a great deal the bookstore is for local book lovers. In fact, the FOSL Bookstore is even on Yelp with a five-star rating!

The level of commitment to our library on the part of the staff, our advocates, and the community makes me feel privileged to be in my position and really energizes me to work with all of our supporters to build a library that is the best we can be for Stockton and San Joaquin County!