Monterey Park voters made history on April 14, 1998 when we voted for our library tax to help pay for the construction of our new two-story library, for longer hours, more books, more supplies and more staff.

The library tax was $25 for a single family home or a residential condo unit; $50 on each parcel with two residential units that are not condos; $75 on each parcel with three or more residential units that are not condos and $75 for a parcel improved with a non-residential building.

It was a hard won battle but we won by 20 votes, which was a little more a 2/3 majority of the vote.

Now this tax has a sunset clause to end in 2018.

Our Monterey Park Bruggemeyer Library located at 318 S. Ramona Avenue is always busy with students, young children, adults and seniors enjoying the various books, computers and programs offered to them.

The second floor is the Children’s Library with computers, various books, and a corner for the very young children to enjoy playing games or reading with their parents or grandparents.

The Friends’ Room is also located on this floor where every month the library has at least one event to help educate the patrons on our local history.

The main floor is for adults and young adults to select books to read and computers for them to use as well as study areas.

Residents and non-residents, who use our library, enjoy Ben Franklin’s dream of a free library for the education and enjoyment of the people.

The new library tax will be the same rate of $25 for a single family home or a residential condo unit; $50 on each parcel with two residential units that are not condos; $75 on each parcel with three or more residential units that are not condos and $75 for in parcel improved with a non-residential building. It will sunset in 20 years in 2038.

This new tax will extend the library hours from 44 to 57 per week on Fridays, Saturdays and one evening a week; the additional funding will support a 30% increase in operational costs and more part time staff.  It will also increase funding to support more books, materials, enhance new technology and improve the facility with new carpeting, a generator and realigning the space to add more tables and computers.

The Monterey Park City Council voted on November 2nd to have this proposed library tax renewal on the March 2017 ballot.

Please visit the Monterey Park Bruggemeyer Library to see your current property tax in action.

If you have any questions about our current library tax please talk to your elected officials at City Hall.

If you have any question about our library and its services please ask a librarian or call 626-307-1368.

The library is the hub of our city for education and entertainment for people of all ages.

For a nominal tax fee you can continue our legacy of education and entertainment.

Please consider a YES vote on our Library Tax.