I would like you to join me in voting for the Salem Public Library District. Like 20 other library districts already existing in Oregon, the Salem Public Library District will provide stable funding for book collections, youth programs and much-needed regular hours of operation.

Libraries are the heart of any community and healthy book collections are their lifeblood. Sadly, lower funding for our book collections has resulted in lower circulation of books. According to the 2002-03 Oregon State Library Annual Report, the Salem Public Library spent only $32.60 per capita for 129,595 registered borrowers. Eugene Public Library, serving a similarly sized population of 140,000 people, spent $49.26 per capita for only 85,984 registered borrowers. This translates into a smaller selection of books and materials and longer waiting periods for Salem area residents. Stable funding provides for more books and materials.

Since 1991, children’s and young adults’ programs have been funded solely through volunteer donations. These programs offer families opportunities to learn together. At a recent program featuring The Reptile Man, Loucks Auditorium was filled to capacity with families. The Salem Youth Advisory Commission’s 2003 Youth Survey conducted for the Salem City Council found that the Salem Public Library was the most visited location by young adults in Salem. They went to the library to research, study and read. Stable funding provides for children’s programs and after school programs with a focus on young adults.

During the summer of 2004, the central library was open only 49 hours a week, the fewest of any Oregon library serving a similarly sized population. We were the only library closed on Mondays. The West Salem branch is open only 35 hours a week. Stable funding provides staffing to increase hours of operation at both the central library and the West Salem branch.

We have had one of the nation’s best and busiest public libraries. Let’s keep it that way.

Gerry Frank,

(This information provided by Gerry Frank)