HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES - 03231993 - 2.3 2 _3
TO: BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
FROM: Anne Marie Gold, County Librarian
DATE: March 3, 1993
SUBJECT: Discontinuation of Library Bookmobile Service
SPECIFIC REQUEST(S) OR RECOMMENDATION(S) & BACKGROUND AND JUSTIFICATION
RECOMMENDATION:
Discontinue Library bookmobile services on March 27, 1993.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
This action will save the cost of repairs to the bookmobile of approximately $10,000 and the
replacement cost of the bookmobile of $130,000 to $150,000 in 1993-94. In addition approximately
$106,000 will be saved in salaries and benefits and$26,000 will be saved in operating costs annually.
BACKGROUND:
The Library has provided bookmobile services to county residents since 1956. Since that time
seventeen new library facilities have been opened and library service has become more readily
available in most parts of the county. Consequently, use of the bookmobile has steadily declined over
the past several years. The current bookmobile, which was acquired in 1975, has already had two
engine replacements and is in need of another. The County Fleet Manager has indicated the "overall
condition of the unit (bookmobile) is very poor. The chassis engine is in need of replacement, as is
the generator. The bookmobile body is beginning to come apart due to all the twisting and flexing over
the years...The unit is far beyond its useful life of 10 years....I would highly recommend this unit to
be replaced as soon as possible." The cost of a new bookmobile ranges from $130,000 to $150,000.
Annual cost of the bookmobile operation is approximately $132,000. Based upon an analysis of
current and future anticipated library funding sources and on the declining usage, bookmobile services
should be discontinued effective March 27, 1993. The library will be recommending the cancellation
of three positions, a Library Assistant II (40/40), a Library Assistant 1 (20/40), and a Driver Clerk -
CDEP (40/40), in conjunction with the library's budget plan which is being submitted for the Board's
public hearing on April 5, 1993. The Library Assistant II position and person are being assigned, until
after the April 5, 1993 hearing, to duties that are not now being performed due to a temporary higher
reassignment (Al appointment) of another employee. The Library Assistant I is being reassigned to
a vacant Library Assistant I position. The Driver Clerk - CDEP position is vacant.
If as a result of the budget process funds become available, alternate service will be provided through
a Books by Mail program, targeted deposit collections, expanded volunteer delivery to shut-ins, and
expanded outreach from adjacent branch libraries.
CONTINUED ON ATTACHMENT: YES SIGNATURE:
_RECOMMENDATION OF COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR—RECOMMENDATION OF BOARD COMMITTEE
APPROVE OTHER
SIGNATURE(S):
ACTION OF BOARD ON March 23. 1993 APPROVED AS RECOMMENDED X OTHER X
DISCONTINUED the Library bookmobile service on March 27, 1993, and {AUTHORIZED the
[-County Librarian to work with community groups to explore options that might serve
sil„ilar functions and interests in the community to replace such a servi-ce�-
VOTE OF SUPERVISORS
I HEREBY CERTIFY THAT THIS IS A TRUE
XUNANIMOUS(ABSENT I I , III ) AND CORRECT COPY OF AN ACTION TAKEN AND
AYES: NOES: ENTERED ON THE MINUTES OF THE BOARD
ABSENT: ABSTAIN: OF SUPERVISORS ON THE DATE SHOWN.
ATTESTED [larch 23, 1993
Contact: Jerry Prideaux,646-6423 PHIL BATCHELOR,CLERK OF THE BOARD OF
SUP RVISORS AN COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR
cc: County Library
County Administrator By DEPUTY
County Auditor
510 236 1444 CREEKSIDE LODGE P02
Cc�nsid�r tvc�. o� 3
LODGE
PEEMSIDE CAPE CENTEP
..... ...... .CAPE......................- ..' ..........
13956 San Pablo Ave. 1900 Church Lane
San Pablo, CA 94806 San Pablo, CA 540015
(415)236-1444 RECEIVED (415)225-5514
W, 2 21993
CLERK BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
CONTRA COSTA CO.
To the County Supervisor
Regarding determination Item 2. 3
The Mobile Library has provided 110 seniors at Creekside Lodge
Retirement Home and the surrounding seniors in our neighborhood
with a much needed service for over one year. our local library
in San Pablolquite frankly, is considered by our residents to be
relatively unsafe for them to venture out to on their own. In
addition, this population is hard of hearing, visually handicapped
and frail to the point of inhibiting their mobility. They are
also slightly confused which makes the process of selection in a
public library an anxious experience and often unsuccessful. Going
to the public library is a chore many of my residents quit doing
because it was simply too taxing on them until the mobile library
made it possible for them to enjoy book selection again.
The individuals that came not only took book selections and brought
the library services to our door, they consulted with the individuals
and assisted them in finding authors and books of interest. This
was a great help to our people who were unable to to clearly think
and articulate their interest or needs without assistance. My staff
are in constant service driving people to medical Appointments and
juggling the programs and crisis within our daily routine. it is
$ 510 236 1444 CREEKSIDE LODGE
P03
pg 2 of 2
physically impossible for us to provide all the desired transpor-
tation and escort services required for every senior 's differing
interests. We have provided inhouse libraries but the residents
love and use the mobile library much more. we visit our local
library as a group outing every other month but the needs of the
individuals are much more than that. They love having the visit
and assistance of the driver and librarian and the gift provided
of transporting out of their limited bodies into a different
world that only reading provides. Large print books are provided
and often researched so that our people have wide variety. I
am very concerned about the shutting down of the mobile library
and have yet to tell my residents who will be truly upset by
the loss.
I hope you will consider very carefully this cut in services.
Sincerely ,
Lynda Whipple
Administrator