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Community Corner

Letter: Committee to Support Schaberg Wants a Public Meeting

Documents such as these addressed to local government can be requested by the public.

Editor's Note: In the spirit of , dedicated to an open and transparent government, Patch has decided to publish a letter that the Committee to Support Schaberg is sending to various Redwood City government entities. These and other letters are public documents that any resident can request under the California Public Records Act.

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An open letter to Library Director Dave Genesey, the Redwood City Library Board, the Redwood City City Council and Library Foundation Director Georgi LaBerge:

As you all know, much discussion and publicity have occurred around the shortened Schaberg hours and the possibility of a Schaberg closure (a possibility confirmed by both Director Dave Genesey and Councilwoman Barbara Pierce).

Funds were discovered by the Library Director in September, 2010 that could greatly benefit Schaberg. Perhaps being open five days a week, instead of four, allowing for weekend hours and after school time 80 percent of the week for schoolchildren.

However, it has been reiterated that these dollars will only be used to fund programs; with the first of these monies being earmarked for retired librarian Chuck Ashton at the rate of (at minimum) $90/appearance, even if the appearance is only 20 minutes as noted at the San Mateo County Reading Association tea, or is simply passing out brochures at the Preschool Preview night sponsored by the Redwood City Mothers’ Club.

Many people have offered to volunteer time either in helping out with programs or doing fundraising for programs. Something that is easier to do than fundraising for Schaberg hours (or staffing Schaberg, something volunteers cannot and should not do).

There has been no response from any of you regarding these offers or why, as it was stated “That ship has sailed” in regards to ever considering using these funds for a jewel of a library.

Please let the community know why you believe that programming at the cost of a library (or, at the moment, access to the library) is a fiscally responsible decision? Especially, as has been noted, we are willing to help work together in order to fill programming gaps.

What we have been asking for is a public meeting but that has not been forthcoming (private meetings have been suggested by a member of council, but we believe that having everything in the open is the best course to take) with both directors and perhaps a representative from the City Council along with members of the greater community.

If we all have the same goal, wonderful, accessible libraries for our community, then this meeting will result in a stronger library and a stronger community.

Sincerely,
The Committee to Support Schaberg

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