JCPL Facing Closures: Learn More at Save Jeffco Libraries Community Meetings
(GOLDEN, Colo. – June 17, 2011, UPDATED June 21, 2011) Save Jeffco Libraries is hosting six community meetings to inform Jefferson County residents about the significant budgetary issues facing Jefferson County Public Library (JCPL) and the group’s efforts to form an independent library district.
“Over the past several years, the Jefferson County Commissioners have diverted $6 million in property taxes from JCPL’s dedicated mill levy to other County departments,” said former Library Board chair and Save Jeffco Libraries founder Tom Atkins. “Diversion of these funds has resulted in staff layoffs and Monday closures.”
“If JCPL remains a part of Jeffco government, things will only worsen. The 2012 Library budget will be $2 million short, and it is obvious when you look at the numbers that Jeffco residents will likely see some of our libraries close. As an independent library district, five-year projections look much better. Funding will be tight, but they will be able to keep the doors open.”
Discussions will be held from 7 to 8 p.m. in the meeting room at the following JCPL locations:
Wednesday, July 6, 2011 - Arvada Library, 7525 W. 57th Ave., Arvada
Thursday, July 7, 2011 - Golden Library, 1019 10th St., Golden
Tuesday, July 12, 2011 - Standley Lake Library, 8485 Kipling St., Arvada
Wednesday, July 13, 2011 - Evergreen Library, 5000 Hwy. 73 (at Buffalo Park Rd.), Evergreen
Tuesday, July 19, 2011 - Belmar Library, 555 S. Alison Pkwy., Lakewood
Wednesday, Aug. 10, 2011 - Columbine Library, 7706 W. Bowles Ave., Littleton
For more information, visit Savejeffcolibraries.org, or call 303.726.9003. County residents can support the formation of an independent library district by signing the Statement of Support at Savejeffcolibraries.org and writing the Jefferson County Commissioners at Commish@jeffco.us and the Library Board at board@jeffcolibrary.org.
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About Save Jeffco Libraries
Save Jeffco Libraries is a grassroots initiative formed by Jefferson County Public Library patrons, including many former Library Trustees, who are concerned about the Library’s funding and independence and believe creation of a district is the only way to preserve and protect its future. Save Jeffco Libraries is not affiliated with Jefferson County Public Library, its Board of Trustees, Jefferson County Library Foundation, or Friends of the Library.
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