Last year, the citizens of Burbank voted overwhelmingly in favor of
Measure L. In doing so, we made a clear statement that our city is
prepared to invest in the future by replacing the outdated Burbank
Central Library and modernizing the Northwest Branch Library.
So far, though, Sacramento has not been willing to join us in that
vision by approving state funding for Burbank's libraries. A final
round of competition among cities applying for limited state library
grants will be held soon, but the demand for funds far exceeds
availability.
Fortunately, the Legislature has passed a bill, co-authored by our
state Sen. Jack Scott (D-Burbank), that would generate more state
funds for library construction. Senate Bill 1161 would place a new
statewide library bond measure on the 2006 ballot.
If that bond is approved by the voters, it would raise an
additional $600 million for library improvements such as those we
need so badly here in Burbank. Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, however,
may veto the bill -- and with it, Burbank's best chance for better
libraries.
A good and safe public library is an essential learning resource,
especially for students, seniors, and people of limited means. Our
libraries are a wonderful source of information, entertainment, youth
programs, job training, language development and all kinds of
lifelong learning. Burbank voters recognized this city's critical
need to modernize our outdated facilities, and SB 1161 could be the key to allowing us to do so.
Please call the governor's office today at (916) 445-2841 and ask
him to support SB 1161.
PAUL KREKORIAN
Burbank Unified School
District vice president
