I hope this is the start of a war to reopen these libraries and keep others from closing. Next fiscal year will be worse. Please check on what is happening with the libraries in your communities so you and your community are not surprised as Colton was. It is crazy that the Library Board did not know before the closure.

Back in the early 1990s the League of Women Voters Inflatable Water Slide did a study of funding for libraries in California. They need to update or do a new study. Anything that can be done to shine a light on this awful situation should be done. Most city libraries were originally started by the Woman’s Clubs. They need to be involved again. Let’s not forget the service clubs – i.e. Rotary, Soroptimists, Lions, Kiwanis, Zonta, Optimists, etc. The Chambers of Commerce need to understand how important libraries are to a community. Some of them will help out in solving the problem. BPW also needs to be concerned. If it can happen in Colton and Ventura, it can happen anywhere.

Linda Wilson, Monterey Park

Colton & Ventura library closures:

http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-libraries-closing19-2009nov19,0,392198.story

This article features quotes from CLA President Kim Bui-Burton, CLA Past President Barbara Roberts, as well as CLA Treasurer Jackie Griffin.