New Library

Orangevale Library Plans on Hold, but Still Alive

Supervisor MacGlashan Endorses 2006 Library Bond

Speaking on behalf of Sacramento County Supervisor Roberta MacGlashan, Ted Wolter, her Administrative Assistant, announced that she will enthusiastically back the passage of thte library bond to be put before the voters in June 2006. Ted spoke to the Friends of the Library Board at their March 18 meeting. Public Library Director Anne Marie Gold has indicated that she is sure the Orangevale Library will be funded if the proposed State Library Bond Act passes when it is placed on the June 2006 ballot.

The reason for the high level of confidence in the future construction of the library is that there is a provision in the Bond Act, which has been passed by the State legislature and signed by Governor Schwarzenegger, requiring that $300 million of the proposed $600 million, must be allocated to projects which were not funded in the last round. The first priority will be for projects which scored a rating of “Outstanding” in that round. Orangevale was one of 20 out of 73 applications across the state which scored in that highest tier. The State Library Bond Board had only $80 million to allocate, and the money requested by the grants rated “Outstanding” totaled $212, 522,693. Since the $80 million has been awarded, that leaves only $132.5 million in unfunded projects ranked as “Outstanding” in the last round. Because there will be $300 million available for previous applications, Orangevale is very well positioned to be funded.

Orangevale achieved its “Outstanding” rating by scoring Outstanding on Age and Condition of existing library (Orangevale receives the highest ranking because there is no permanent facility), a plan of service integrating appropriate technology, and appropriateness of the site, and Very Good on the degree to which the project meets the needs of residents.

While the State Office of Library Construction will undoubtedly issue new regulations for implementation of the Bond Act when it is passed by the voters, the majority of preparation for Orangevale’s library has been done. The advocates for this new library will have to focus now on working to get the Bond Act passed in 2006.

Orangevale residents are grateful to Roberta McGlashan and Muriel Johnson, both of whom spoke for the County Board of Supervisors on behalf of the Orangevale project at the November meeting of the State Library Bond Board. Friends of the Orangevale Library Board members Betty Olson and Robert Guthleben also added their vocal support, along with Delilah (the dog), our best listener to youngsters reading aloud at the Orangevale Library.