KCRA: Sacramento voters to decide on future of public library funding with Measure E
Sacramento city voters will decide on Measure E this Election Day. Existing parcel taxes, from Measure X and Measure B, generate $9.6 million a year for library services. The taxes account for roughly 15% of the city’s contribution to the Sacramento Public Library’s funds.
“I believe the library is the great equalizer,” said Peter Coyl, director of the library. “Anyone can come into the library and find what they're looking for.”
Coyl said if Measure E does not pass in November, the reduced funding from the city would likely impact hours and services throughout the library system.
ABC 10: What is Measure E in the city of Sacramento?
ABC10 wants to make sure you have all the information you need to vote! It's why our team of journalists is working hard to make sure we answer election-related questions coming our way. Today’s question: Will you cover Measure E in the City of Sacramento?
Sacramento Bee: Parcel taxes for Sacramento libraries will expire. Measure E would extend funding
The Sacramento Public Library system is one of the best bargains in government. The 12 libraries that operate in Sacramento meet their mission with a lean budget of about $25 million a year. The city parcel taxes are an essential foundation providing about $10 million of that budget. And with a strapped city budget, there is simply no substitute for that money.
Voting Yes on Measure E sends a message, loud and clear, that libraries are important to the residents of the state capital. Vote Yes on Measure E, to keep our minds wide open to what libraries uniquely offer.
League of Women Voters Supports City of Sacramento Measure E
The League of Women Voters of Sacramento County strongly supports the passage of local Measure E on the City of Sacramento ballot for November 5, 2024. We call on voters to support access by all persons to our public library’s many services by voting YES to safeguard this city treasure of knowledge and information so fundamental to participation in a democratic society dependent upon an informed electorate.
Sacramento Bee: Sacramento voters will consider a tax to support libraries. Here’s why the funds are needed
Sacramento library boosters are pushing to combine and extend two city parcel taxes, in a bid to protect library revenues and spare officials the process of seeking renewal every five or six years.
Initial estimates suggest city libraries may only be able to open three days a week, down from five, without the parcel taxes. And while the dollars from the parcel taxes can only be used for city libraries, a large reduction could impact systemwide services that also benefit county residents, like the Bookmobile and youth programs. “It’s kind of like pulling a thread,” Coyl said. “Even though it is only a city of Sacramento ballot measure that only residents of the city can vote on, it does impact the entire library system.”
Join us September 9th for Beers & Books for Measure E!
If you've been looking for a way to support the Measure E campaign, we have your next opportunity! Join us at Beers & Books for Measure E!